Service
TMJ & Jaw Pain Treatment in St. Louis, MO
TMJ/TMD Care, Co-Managed With Your Dental Team
That clicking, aching, or locked-up jaw isn't something you have to live with — and it's rarely just the jaw. TMJ disorder (TMD) ties together the jaw joint, the muscles around it, and the neck and upper spine. Dr. Joe Sas has additional training in evaluating and treating TMJ/TMD, and works hand-in-hand with dentists, orthodontists, and oral surgeons so your care addresses the whole picture — not just one piece of it.
Signs It Might Be Your TMJ
TMJ trouble shows up in more ways than people expect. Common signs include:
Jaw pain, tightness, or fatigue — especially when chewing
Clicking, popping, or grinding in the jaw joint
A jaw that catches or locks
Headaches, often around the temples
Ear fullness, ringing, or pain with no ear infection
Facial and neck tension, or teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism)
Our Approach to TMJ
We start by looking, not guessing. We assess how your jaw, the muscles around it, and your neck and upper spine are moving together — because the jaw rarely acts alone. From there, care may include gentle, specific adjustments to the jaw and upper neck, targeted soft-tissue work, and simple at-home strategies to calm clenching and retrain the joint. When the neck's mechanics are part of the picture, Motion Study X-Rays help us see exactly what's going on.
Co-Managed With Your Dental Team
TMJ is a team sport. Your bite, your teeth, and any appliances are your dentist's world; the joint, the muscles, and the spine are ours. That's why we co-manage TMJ cases with the oral-care providers you already trust — dentists, orthodontists, and oral surgeons — and we're glad to coordinate directly with yours. Don't have one? We'll point you to providers we trust. The goal is simple: the right care from the right person, working together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a chiropractor help with TMJ?
- Yes — when the jaw, muscles, and neck are contributing, which is common. Dr. Sas has additional training in TMJ/TMD and treats the joint and the mechanics around it, while coordinating with your dental team on the bite and dental side.
Do I need to see a dentist too?
- Sometimes. Many TMJ cases do best co-managed — we handle the joint, muscles, and spine; your dentist or orthodontist handles the bite and any appliances. We'll tell you honestly what you need and help coordinate.
What does TMJ care feel like?
- Gentle. Our adjustments and soft-tissue work are precise and matched to your comfort — never forced. We'll always explain what we're doing and why.
My jaw started hurting after a car accident — is that related?
- It can be. A collision can strain the jaw the same way it strains the neck. If your jaw pain started after a crash, mention it — and see our auto-accident care.
Let's Get Your Jaw Working Again
We'll evaluate what's driving your jaw pain, tell you straight what we can help with, and coordinate with your dental team when that's the right call.