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Address

7155 W. Campo Bello Dr.
Building B, Suite B-115
Glendale, AZ 85308

Now Accepting New Patients!

(480) 740-9619
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TMJ & Jaw Pain Care in Glendale, AZ

Jaw pain, clicking that hurts, or tight jaw muscles can make chewing, talking and sleeping uncomfortable. At Muscle Chiropractic in Glendale, AZ, Dr. Tim Ballitch examines your jaw, neck and posture first. Then he explains whether chiropractic care fits your situation, or whether a dentist or facial pain specialist should see you.

Ready to have your jaw checked? Choose your visit:

Prices shown are credit card prices. A cash discount is available when paying at the time of service.

Questions first? Call or text 480-740-9619.

Common jaw symptoms

  • Pain or soreness in the jaw muscles or in front of the ear, often worse when chewing
  • Jaw tightness or stiffness, especially in the morning or after clenching
  • Clicking, popping or grating that comes with pain
  • Trouble opening your mouth fully, or a jaw that catches or locks
  • Pain that spreads to the temple, face or neck, or headaches that seem to start in the jaw

A jaw that clicks without pain is common and usually needs no treatment.

Jaw pain can have different causes

“TMJ” is the jaw joint itself; problems with it are often called TMD (temporomandibular disorders). Jaw pain can come from the joint, the chewing muscles, clenching or grinding, an injury, or stress, and sometimes from a tooth, sinus, ear or nerve problem. That’s why Dr. Tim examines you before recommending any care.

Get medical or dental care first if you have…

  • Call 911 for jaw pain with chest pressure, shortness of breath, a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. These can be heart attack signs.
  • Same-day medical care if you’re over 50 and have a new headache with jaw pain when chewing, scalp tenderness or any vision change.
  • Urgent care if your jaw is stuck open or won’t close, after a hard blow or fall to the face, or for facial swelling with fever.
  • Your dentist for tooth pain or sensitivity, a possible cracked tooth, pain after recent dental work, or a change in how your teeth fit together.
  • Your physician for facial numbness, a lump, unexplained weight loss, or pain that keeps getting worse.

How Dr. Tim assesses jaw pain

  1. Your history: where it hurts, when it started, what makes it worse (chewing, clenching, stress, sleep, long hours at a screen), headaches, injuries and recent dental work.
  2. The exam: how far and how straight your jaw opens, joint sounds, tender spots in the chewing muscles, and how your neck and upper back move.
  3. The plan: he explains what he found and which options fit. When appropriate, he refers you to a dentist or facial pain specialist.

Care options, chosen from your exam

Not every patient needs every option. Dr. Tim discusses suitability, precautions and costs with you before any treatment.

  • Gentle soft tissue work for tight jaw, temple and neck muscles: hands-on muscle release and gentle instrument-assisted soft tissue work (IASTM) on the face when appropriate. Cupping is not used on the face.
  • Chiropractic care for the neck and upper back when your exam shows they’re involved.
  • Jaw adjustment, when appropriate: after your examination, Dr. Tim will discuss whether a jaw adjustment is appropriate. When he adjusts the jaw, he generally uses a handheld adjusting instrument.
  • Exercises and instruction: jaw movement and stretching exercises, posture tips, and ways to notice and ease daytime clenching.
  • Radial pressure wave therapy for selected patients: after an exam, Dr. Tim may use radial pressure wave therapy (commonly called radial shockwave) as part of care for some jaw pain patients. It isn’t right for everyone, and results vary.

If your dentist made you a night guard, keep using it as they advised.

Common questions

What happens at the first visit?

A New Patient Visit is scheduled for about 30 minutes. It includes your history and exam, a discussion of what Dr. Tim finds and your options, and instruction or exercises as appropriate.

Do I need a referral?

You can book a New Patient Visit directly. If your exam suggests you should see a dentist or facial pain specialist, Dr. Tim will tell you. If a dentist or doctor has already examined your jaw, bring any notes.

Will Dr. Tim adjust my jaw?

After your examination, Dr. Tim will discuss whether a jaw adjustment is appropriate. When he adjusts the jaw, he generally uses a handheld adjusting instrument.

How many visits will I need?

It depends on what the exam shows and how you respond. Dr. Tim gives you an estimate and checks your progress as you go.

Do you take insurance?

We’re a cash-based office. HSA/FSA cards are accepted, and we can provide receipts with procedure codes.

Related care

Neck pain · Headaches & migraines · Soft tissue therapy

Muscle Chiropractic is at 7155 W. Campo Bello Dr., Building B, Suite B-115, Glendale, AZ 85308. This is our only office; patients come from nearby Peoria, Surprise, Sun City, Sun City West and North Phoenix. See hours and directions.

Have jaw pain that keeps coming back? Existing patients: Book an Existing Patient Visit. New patients: Book a New Patient Visit. Or call/text 480-740-9619.