A jaw pop can sound dramatic, especially when it happens during a yawn, a big bite, or a morning stretch. If there is no pain, no locking, and no trouble chewing, jaw popping is often not a sign of a serious problem. The sound usually comes from the temporomandibular joint, often shortened to TMJ. This joint sits in front of each ear and connects the jawbone to the skull. It works every time you talk, chew, swallow, sing, or open your mouth. Because it moves so often, small c

Jaw stiffness is a common complaint that can disrupt daily life, making simple actions like chewing, speaking, or yawning uncomfortable. Many people immediately associate this discomfort with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, but jaw stiffness does not always point to TMJ issues alone. In fact, muscles in the neck and shoulders can also contribute to or even cause jaw stiffness. Understanding the connection between these areas can help you identify the root cause and f

Skull side view Since I began my journey into the world of healthcare, I was taught very early on that the cranial bones are composed of multiple synarthrotic joints, which are fibrous and immoveable in nature. These joints typically fuse in early adulthood, creating a solid structure that protects the brain and supports various functions. However, recent research and emerging evidence suggest that the dynamics of cranial bones may be more complex than previously understood.

The brain's limbic system is comprised of the hippocampus, amygdala, and the hypothalamus. It is responsible for the majority of emotional processing, storage of memories, sexual arousal, and learning. Individuals with an anxiety disorder may have heightened activity in these areas. The main function of the amygdala is in emotional responses, including feelings of happiness, fear, anger, and anxiety. The amygdala is linked to your fight or flight response. Anxiety happens

Pain and discomfort in the neck can come from many different structures, including muscles, joints, nerves, and surrounding connective tissues. One muscle that is frequently involved in neck pain and related symptoms is the sternocleidomastoid, commonly called the SCM. The SCM is a large, rope-like muscle located on each side of the neck. It runs from behind the ear down to the breastbone and collarbone. This muscle plays an important role in turning and tilting the head, hel

Pain is not “all in your head,” but the way we think and respond to pain can influence how our nervous system experiences it. When pain persists, it is easy to fall into fearful or negative thoughts such as, “This will never get better”or “Something must be seriously wrong.” These thoughts can increase stress and tension, which may make pain feel even more overwhelming. Positive self-talk does not mean pretending the pain is not real. Instead, it involves responding to yourse

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain can be relentless. You may have seen an ENT specialist, worked with a physical therapist, undergone dental treatments, had an MRI, and even tried bite guards. Yet, the pain persists. This ongoing discomfort can be frustrating and confusing. Why doesn’t the pain go away despite all these efforts? This post explores common reasons why TMJ pain may linger and what you can do next. Detailed model of the temporomandibular joint showing bone and c

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) affects millions of people worldwide, causing pain and discomfort in the jaw, face, and neck. While many factors contribute to TMD, anxiety and stress play a significant role in triggering or worsening these issues. Understanding how emotional and psychological states impact TMD can help those affected find better relief and manage their symptoms more effectively. Anatomy of the temporomandibular joint showing jaw connection Close-up vie

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and trigeminal neuralgia cause intense facial pain that disrupts daily life. Traditional treatments often focus on managing symptoms but may not address the underlying nerve irritation. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has emerged as a promising option to reduce pain by calming affected tissues and nerve roots. Research shows LLLT can lower pain intensity and frequency for several neuropathic orofacial conditions, including TMJ-related pa

We may have perceived pain in one part of our body but the site that the pain is originating from maybe a different spot. This is called...

One of the components of the cranial concept for practitioners who practice cranial manipulative therapy is that the bones of the head...

Did you know that TMJ disorder and chronic sinusitis share many of the same symptoms? Headaches, jaw and neck pain, facial pressure,...

By: Kristie Bray, LPCC Over the past year I have been having patients with anxiety and a few other disorders try binaural beats. Let's...

Headaches…Stomach aches…Nausea…Muscle pain…Tension in jaw. All of these can be signs and symptoms of anxiety. Your autonomic nervous...

Did you know that TMJ disorder and chronic sinusitis share many of the same symptoms? Headaches, jaw and neck pain, facial pressure,...

What is TMD? Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a group of more than 30 conditions that can cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw...

Interesting facts about grinding. Bruxism or “teeth grinding” is a complicated phenomena which has a prevalence or 8-31.4% in the general...

We are frequently asked about tinnitus. What can we do to help and what is causing the issue. Here are some points of interested for...

Assessment and management of benign tinnitus by CRAFTA® specialized therapists Introduction Tinnitus or “ringing in the ears” is a...

By: Kristie Bray, LPCC Depression and pain go together. Depression can cause pain and pain can cause depression. It can be a cycle back...