The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the small joint in front of each ear and attaches the lower jaw to the skull. These joints work together with various jaw muscles and ligaments, making it possible to open and close the mouth, chew, speak and swallow. A painful TMJ dysfunction (TMJD) may occur when the temporomandibular joints, jaw muscles, and ligaments are prevented from working together properly.
Your upper neck contains a complex web of nerves that feed into an area influencing jaw function. Head and neck alignment also affects the biomechanics of a bite, contributing to jaw pain. The NUCCA adjustment is an effective way to gently and precisely correct misalignments in the upper neck, allowing the head and jaw to return to their proper orientation. Proper alignment of the head and neck helps to reduce unnecessary muscle tension and stress on the jaw.
