TMJD Care in Round Rock
Jaw pain that won’t go away is more than uncomfortable. It can make eating, talking, and even sleeping harder than they should be. At Family Wellness at Teravista, we look at the full picture of what’s driving that pain and work to address it at the source.
How the Jaw and Spine Are Connected
TMJD, or temporomandibular joint dysfunction, is a broad term for a range of disorders affecting the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. What many patients don’t realize is that the position and alignment of the head and neck play a significant role in how the jaw functions. Cervical spine disorders are a recognized perpetuating factor for TMJD, which is why the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation recommends cervical spine examination for TMJD patients even when neck pain isn’t a primary complaint. At Family Wellness at Teravista, Dr. Harris is trained to examine both the neck and jaw together, identifying how spinal dysfunction may be contributing to your symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms That Often Point to TMJD
TMJD presents differently from patient to patient, but common signs include:
- Radiating pain in the face, neck, or shoulders
- Limited movement or locking of the jaw
- Painful clicking or grating when opening or closing the mouth
- A noticeable change in how the upper and lower teeth fit together
- Headaches, earaches, or dizziness
- Difficulty swallowing or hearing problems
A Care Plan Built Around Your Jaw and Your Spine
Your first visit begins with a thorough examination to understand what’s happening with both your jaw and your cervical spine. X-rays are taken when needed to give Dr. Harris a clear picture of your alignment and structure. From there, care is built around your specific findings. Treatment at Family Wellness at Teravista typically includes gentle Gonstead adjustments to address spinal contributors, targeted exercises to strengthen and stabilize the jaw and neck, and muscle re-training therapies designed to restore proper jaw movement and balance. Progress is evaluated through multiple exams throughout your care, so the plan can be refined as you respond to treatment.
What Patients Often Notice Over Time
When the spine is better aligned, and the muscles supporting the jaw are functioning as they should, many patients find that their jaw pain becomes more manageable and less frequent. Because chiropractic care addresses the structural factors that perpetuate TMJD, it can also help the work done by your oral health physician last longer. Family Wellness at Teravista coordinates with dental providers when appropriate, making this a genuinely collaborative approach to your care.
Dr. Harris Brings Focused Experience to TMJD Care
Dr. Bolden Harris earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College in 2004, graduating as class valedictorian, and has since built a reputation as both a skilled clinician and a sought-after educator. He has lectured on complex health topics at colleges and universities across the country, served as team chiropractor for Olympic athletes and collegiate programs, and taught future chiropractors as an associate faculty member at Palmer College. That depth of training shapes how he approaches every TMJD case. Rather than treating the jaw in isolation, he applies his extensive knowledge of spinal function and neuromuscular health to understand the full context of your condition and build a care plan that reflects it.
Take a Closer Look at What’s Driving Your Jaw Pain
If jaw pain has been affecting your daily life, it’s worth understanding what’s behind it. Call Family Wellness at Teravista at (512) 248-9355 to schedule an evaluation and take a closer look at what’s going on.
