Chiropractic Care and TMD: Supporting Jaw and Whole-Body Health
Chiropractic Care, TMD, and the SOT Approach
At Han Yu Cheng Chiropractic, a common question we hear is:
“Can chiropractic care help with my jaw tension or TMJ issues?”
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD) refers to discomfort or dysfunction in the jaw joints (TMJ) and surrounding muscles. People with TMD may experience:
Jaw pain or tightness
Clicking or popping sounds
Difficulty chewing or opening fully
Headaches
Neck and facial tension
Understanding TMD from an SOT Perspective
Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT) is a chiropractic approach that recognises the intricate relationship between the pelvis (sacrum), spine, cranium, and TMJ. SOT practitioners observe that imbalances in one area can affect the entire structural and neurological system.
Key SOT Principles Related to TMD:
Cranial-Dental-Spinal Relationship
The TMJ is influenced by cranial bone dynamics and dental occlusion, as well as spinal and pelvic alignment. For example, pelvic instability can affect spinal tension, which may influence cranial and TMJ function through fascial and dural connections.Dural Tension Patterns
The dura mater (protective covering around the brain and spinal cord) connects from the cranial region down to the sacrum. Tension or restrictions along this system may contribute to altered jaw mechanics or cranial imbalances.Balanced Body Mechanics
SOT emphasises restoring balance throughout the body to support optimal function of the TMJ and associated structures.
How Chiropractic and SOT May Support People with TMD
Chiropractic care does not treat TMD as a disease. However, by assessing and addressing spinal, cranial, and postural function, chiropractic care using SOT principles may:
Improve spinal and cranial mobility
Reduce muscular tension in the neck, shoulders, and jaw area
Support balanced TMJ mechanics by addressing cranial patterns
Enhance nervous system regulation related to jaw movement and muscle control
What Does an SOT-Informed Assessment Involve?
At Han Yu Cheng Chiropractic, your assessment may include:
✅ Detailed health history related to jaw tension, dental work, and posture
✅ Postural evaluation including pelvic stability, spinal alignment, and head positioning
✅ TMJ range of motion assessment
✅ Cranial evaluation to identify tension patterns or imbalances
What Does SOT-Based Care for TMD Look Like?
Depending on your presentation, your care plan may include:
Pelvic stabilisation and category blocking to address foundational structural balance
Specific spinal adjustments to support nervous system communication
Cranial chiropractic techniques to gently influence dural tension patterns
TMJ-focused techniques within chiropractic scope, aiming to improve joint mobility and reduce local muscular tension
Breathing and postural strategies to reduce overall tension and support jaw function
Collaborative Care
Managing TMD often involves a team approach. We may recommend working with:
Dentists or orthodontists for occlusal factors
Physiotherapists or massage therapists for targeted muscle work
Mental health professionals for stress management if clenching or grinding is related to emotional tension
A Note on Care and Outcomes
It is important to understand that chiropractic care does not cure TMD. Individual experiences vary. Our goal is to support your musculoskeletal and nervous system health as part of a broader approach to managing jaw tension and improving daily function.
Want to Learn More?
If you experience jaw discomfort, tension, or related headaches and want to explore how SOT-based chiropractic care may fit into your health plan, contact Han Yu Cheng Chiropractic to book an initial assessment. We are here to answer your questions and support your health goals with clarity, professionalism, and care.
Dr. Han Yu Cheng, Chiropractor
Disclaimer: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical or dental advice. Individual results may vary.
