TMJ trouble in Atlanta can mean a sore jaw at the end of a long workday, clicking when you yawn, or headaches that seem to start near the ear. We evaluate the jaw, the neck, and your posture at our Smyrna office and offer conservative, hands-on and exercise-based care that complements dental treatment.
Dr. James Wright is a Doctor of Chiropractic and a diplomate in functional neurology through the American Chiropractic Neurology Board. He is not a dentist or an oral surgeon. We do not make mouth guards or perform dental procedures, and we encourage you to keep seeing your dentist or TMJ specialist.
Mayo Clinic describes TMJ disorders as pain in the joint and the muscles that move the jaw, with symptoms that can include aching around the ear, trouble chewing, locking, headache, and neck pain (December 2024). Since the jaw sits close to the neck and base of the skull, we examine them together. Our TMJ and jaw pain page gives an overview.
You begin with a complimentary consultation. Care is private-pay and one-on-one, and we explain costs before any plan starts. During the first visit we ask when the jaw bothers you, what you eat, whether you wake with a tight jaw, and what your dentist has told you, then we examine how the jaw opens and tracks and how the muscles around it respond.
Mayo says that home care, jaw physical therapy, and a mouth guard can be effective, and that surgery is usually a last resort after conservative measures. Within that conservative range, here is what we provide:
A complimentary first consultation about jaw pain, clicking, locking, and headaches
Review of dental history and habits such as clenching, with a suggestion to see a dentist when needed
Examination of jaw movement, the jaw muscles, and the neck
Posture and head-position assessment
Myofascial release for the jaw, face, and neck muscles when it fits
Chiropractic care for the neck when it fits
Exercises and guidance on habits that load the jaw
Coordination with your dentist or TMJ specialist, with your permission
Clenching under deadline pressure or leaning toward a screen all day can load the jaw. We help you identify your pattern.
Muscle work and exercises are designed to support smoother opening and closing, without promises about a specific result.
Neck, jaw, and head symptoms are often bundled. For neck pain, read about neck pain treatment in Atlanta, and for headaches see migraine care in Atlanta.
With your permission, we send notes to your dentist or specialist so everyone is working from the same picture.
For anyone who clenches through a stressful commute, a short trip helps. Smyrna is roughly ten miles northwest of downtown Atlanta, about 15 minutes by interstate according to the City of Smyrna. Buckhead and Midtown drivers usually take I-75 or I-285, while East Atlanta and Decatur residents cross town first, so plan extra time.
1. Reach out: Call or book. Sudden jaw pain with chest pressure or shortness of breath needs 911, not an appointment.
2. Your jaw history: Dr. Wright asks about clicking, locking, clenching, headaches, dental work, and what you have tried.
3. Examination: A look at how the jaw moves, the muscles around it, the neck, and posture.
4. Findings: We explain what we found and whether a dentist or TMJ specialist should be involved.
5. Care: Care may combine hands-on soft tissue work, neck care, and jaw and posture exercises.
6. Review: We track pain and movement and adjust the plan, working with your dentist when you want us to.
TMJ care often involves several professionals, such as dentists and physical therapists. We offer one conservative piece of that puzzle and are clear about its limits.
They can overlap. That is why we examine both and look for connections.
Mayo Clinic says pain and discomfort from TMJ disorders often last only a limited time, though some people have it longer. If yours persists, an exam can look for contributing factors.
Jaw pain with chest pressure, shortness of breath, or sweating can signal a heart attack: call 911.
Yes, unless your dentist says otherwise. We do not replace dental appliances. If it seems to cause discomfort, take that up with your dentist.
No. We offer conservative care and can suggest a referral if you need something else.
Call 770-767-3830 or book a complimentary consultation. Directions are on the contact page.
Next steps
Your symptoms are part of the story, and we'd love to help you understand the rest. Book a consult online, or give us a call and we'll walk you through it. Your initial consultation is complimentary, with no obligation to begin care.
You can book a consultation online. Other appointments are booked by our clinic staff. office@strongtowerfn.com