Jaw pain and TMJ care in Torrance
Jaw pain, clicking or trouble opening your mouth can make eating and talking uncomfortable. Dr. Roozbeh Sahrai, D.C., QME, offers gentle care for your jaw muscles and joints, and for the neck and posture problems that often go with them.
- Gentle, low-force care
- Same-day visits often available
- We can work with your dentist
Call 911 for jaw pain with chest pain, shortness of breath or sweating, which can be signs of a heart attack. See a doctor or dentist right away if your jaw locks open or closed, after an injury to your face, or for jaw pain with fever or swelling.
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your lower jaw to your skull, just in front of your ears. Problems with these joints or the chewing muscles, often called TMD, can cause jaw pain, clicking or popping, headaches, ear pain, and a tired or tight jaw.
Jaw clicking without pain is common and often harmless. Pain, locking or trouble opening your mouth is worth getting checked.
Common causes
Understanding what’s behind your jaw pain shapes how we treat it.
Clenching or grinding
Often during sleep or stressful moments, without noticing.
Stress
Tension tightens the jaw, face and neck muscles.
Posture
A forward head position strains the jaw and neck muscles.
Injury
A blow to the jaw, or whiplash from a car accident.
Arthritis
Wear in the jaw joint, like other joints in the body.
Chewing habits
Gum, hard foods or chewing on one side.
How we treat it
- Gentle, low-force Activator adjustments for the jaw and neck
- Soft tissue work for tight jaw, neck and shoulder muscles
- Jaw exercises and self-care tips to use at home
- Posture advice for your desk, phone and sleep
- Low-level (cold) laser therapy
If you grind your teeth at night, your dentist can tell you whether a night guard would help. Dr. Sahrai is happy to work alongside your dentist.
Dr. Sahrai asks new patients for three visits to see if he can help. If there’s little or no improvement, he refers you to your dentist or a specialist.
From our patients
“I was so nervous because it was my first time having to see a chiropractor. Dr Sahrai was very patient, helped me calm down and made sure I was ok with his treatment through out the entire process.”
“Dr. Sahrai is very gentle and patient. His adjustments are not aggressive like traditional chiropractic. He’s very precise and you can feel the difference right away.”
“Scheduling was a breeze from the very first call. They offer flexible appointment times, quick availability, and text reminders that make everything effortless.”
Excerpts from real Google and Yelp reviews.
Jaw pain questions
Can a chiropractor help with TMJ?
Many jaw problems involve tight muscles and posture, and improve with gentle care, exercises and self-care. Dr. Sahrai checks your jaw, neck and posture, and can work alongside your dentist.
Should I also see a dentist?
Yes, if you haven’t. A dentist can check your teeth and bite and rule out dental causes such as a cavity or infection.
What can I do at home?
Eat softer foods, skip gum, try heat or ice, and rest your jaw with your lips together and teeth apart. Notice whether you clench during the day.
When is jaw pain an emergency?
Call 911 for jaw pain with chest pain, shortness of breath or sweating. See a doctor or dentist right away if your jaw locks open or closed, after an injury to your face, or for jaw pain with fever or swelling.
Jaw pain bothering you? Text us today.
4305 Torrance Blvd., Suite 100, Torrance, CA 90503
Monday to Friday 9 AM–6 PM, Saturday 9 AM–4 PM
Serving Torrance and the South Bay, including Redondo Beach, Gardena, Carson, San Pedro and Palos Verdes.