TMD Treatment in Sioux Center, IA

Gentle, effective solutions for jaw pain, tension, and TMJ dysfunction.

Jaw pain, headaches, or clicking when you chew? You may be dealing with a condition called TMD—Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. At Sioux Center Chiropractic, we help patients across Northwest Iowa find relief from TMD symptoms through gentle, effective care focused on restoring function to the jaw and surrounding areas.

While many people refer to this condition as "TMJ," that term actually describes the joint itself—the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jawbone to your skull. TMD is the proper term when there’s pain, tension, or dysfunction in the joint or nearby tissues.

What Causes TMD?

Not just jaw pain—TMD can affect your entire head, neck, and posture.

The TMJ is a complex joint that moves your jaw in multiple directions—hinging, sliding, and rotating. It’s supported by small muscles, ligaments, and a cartilage disc, similar to a meniscus in the knee. Because of this complexity, it's easy for things to go wrong.

Common causes of TMD include:

  • Jaw clenching or teeth grinding (often during sleep)

  • Poor posture or alignment in the neck and jaw

  • Dental work or prolonged mouth opening

  • Stress-related muscle tension

  • Trauma to the head, face, or jaw

  • Repetitive habits like nail-biting or gum chewing

Even subtle imbalances in the muscles that control your jaw can cause discomfort or clicking, and over time, irritation can lead to inflammation, joint stiffness, or chronic facial pain.

Common TMD Symptoms

Pain, popping, and tightness—know the signs of TMD before it worsens.

TMD symptoms can vary from mild to severe. You might feel it just when chewing—or all the time.

You may be dealing with TMD if you experience:

  • Jaw pain or tightness, especially while chewing, yawning, or talking

  • Clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw

  • Headaches, especially near the temples

  • Pain in the face, neck, or around the ears

  • Difficulty opening your mouth fully

  • Clenching your jaw during sleep or waking with jaw tension

If left untreated, TMD can worsen over time or contribute to related issues like migraines or neck pain.

How We Treat TMD at Sioux Center Chiropractic

Targeted chiropractic care, soft tissue work, laser therapy, and rehab that gets results.

Our approach to TMD treatment focuses on relieving muscle tension, improving joint mechanics, and identifying contributing habits or postural issues.

Your personalized care plan may include:

  • Soft tissue therapy (like Active Release Techniques) to release tight jaw muscles

  • Chiropractic adjustments, especially to the upper cervical spine, which can influence jaw mechanics

  • Rehab exercises to retrain jaw movement and posture

  • Laser therapy to reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing

  • Lifestyle recommendations for stress management, posture correction, and sleep position

  • Collaboration with local dentists if teeth grinding or a bite issue is contributing

Our goal is to help you find long-term relief—not just a quick fix.

Find TMD Relief in Northwest Iowa

We help patients across Sioux Center, Orange City, Rock Valley, and beyond reclaim comfort and jaw function naturally.

If you’re struggling with jaw pain, popping, or tension, we’re here to help. At Sioux Center Chiropractic, we’ve helped many patients across Sioux Center, Hull, Rock Valley, and Orange City find lasting relief from TMD symptoms with conservative care.

Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a healthier, more comfortable jaw.