Jaw pain, soreness, or stiffness
Jaw pain, soreness, or stiffness
TMJ Dysfunction
TMJ issues can cause more than just jaw pain — they can lead to headaches, ear discomfort, facial tension, and difficulty chewing or speaking. At Palatine Family Chiropractic, we offer gentle, targeted care to reduce tension in the jaw and surrounding structures so you can move, eat, and speak without pain.
Natural Relief for Jaw Pain, Clicking, and TMJ Dysfunction
How do we Help with TMJ Dysfunction?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint — the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. TMJ dysfunction happens when this joint becomes irritated, misaligned, or overworked, often due to stress, teeth grinding, poor posture, or trauma. This can lead to pain, clicking, locking, or limited jaw movement.
Chiropractic care helps by addressing alignment and tension in both the jaw and the spine, reducing stress on the joint and restoring proper function.
How It Works
We start with an evaluation of the jaw, neck, and upper spine. TMJ symptoms are often connected to dysfunction in the cervical spine, so adjustments may be made both to the jaw itself and to surrounding areas. Treatment may also include soft tissue work to reduce tension in the jaw muscles and improve movement.
Why It’s Effective
The jaw is part of a complex system that includes the spine, nervous system, and surrounding musculature. When any part of that system is out of balance, it can put excess strain on the TMJ. Chiropractic care restores balance and mobility, allowing the jaw to move properly and reducing pain, inflammation, and dysfunction.
Meet Dr. David Fish
You're In Good Hands
Doctor of Chiropractic
Dr. David Fish brings over a decade of hands-on experience helping patients of all ages move and feel better. He specializes in spinal biomechanics and structural chiropractic care, combining precision with a personalized approach. His goal is to support your health with focused care that enhances movement, energy, and overall wellness.
We Are Experts in Treating:
Clicking, popping, or grinding noises when opening the mouth
Clicking, popping, or grinding noises when opening the mouthLimited ability to open the jaw fully
Limited ability to open the jaw fullyTMJ-related headaches or ear discomfort
TMJ-related headaches or ear discomfortTeeth grinding or clenching (especially at night)
Teeth grinding or clenching (especially at night)Tension in the face, head, or neck
Tension in the face, head, or neck
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can chiropractors adjust the jaw?
Yes. Chiropractors trained in TMJ care can perform safe, gentle adjustments to the jaw and surrounding areas to relieve tension and restore motion.
Is TMJ pain only caused by jaw problems?
Not always. TMJ dysfunction is often linked to cervical spine issues, posture problems, or chronic stress — all of which chiropractic care can help address.
Will adjustments hurt my jaw?
No. Adjustments are gentle and designed to reduce tension, not add to it. We’ll always explain the process and ensure you’re comfortable.
How soon will I feel better?
Some patients notice relief within the first few visits. More chronic cases may require consistent care to retrain the joint and surrounding muscles.
Dr. David Fish
Doctor of Chiropractic
Dr. David Fish grew up in Niles, Michigan, and earned his undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Detroit Mercy. He went on to receive his Doctor of Chiropractic from the National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, Illinois.
He spent ten years with The Joint Chiropractic, where he refined his clinical and adjusting skills while treating patients of all ages. In late 2025, Dr. Fish joined Palatine Family Chiropractic, where he continued to expand his expertise under the mentorship of Dr. Adam Hutton. His clinical focus now includes spinal biomechanical engineering and advanced structural care.
Dr. Fish is an active member of the American Chiropractic Association and the Illinois Chiropractic Society. He lives in Wheeling, IL, with his wife and two cats, and enjoys traveling, gardening, staying active, and playing board games.
