Real Relief
From Jaw Pain
Oregon TMJ offers a hands-on Chiropractic approach to treating temporomandibular disorder (TMJD). No night guards. No Botox injections. No surgery.
Do I Have TMJ Disorder?
Not sure if your jaw pain, headaches, or ear symptoms are connected? Answer 10 evidence-based questions and get a personalized result in about 2 minutes.
🔍 Take the Free Assessment →The assessment covers
- → Jaw pain & soreness
- → Clicking & popping
- → Limited jaw opening
- → Morning stiffness
- → Headaches & temples
- → Ear pain & pressure
- → Neck pain connection
- → Stress & clenching
Signs You May Have TMJ Disorder
The jaw joint and surrounding muscles can cause a surprising range of symptoms — from clicking and pain to headaches and ear pressure.
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Jaw Pain or Soreness
Aching or sharp pain in or around your jaw, especially in the morning or while eating.
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Clicking or Popping
Sounds when you open or close your mouth — sometimes painful, sometimes not.
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Headaches
Frequent tension headaches, especially in the temples or at the base of the skull.
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Ear Pressure or Fullness
A feeling of stuffiness, ringing, or pressure not caused by an ear infection.
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Jaw Locking
Difficulty fully opening or closing your mouth — the jaw feels "stuck."
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Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Clenching or grinding at night, often linked to stress in the jaw joint.
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Neck Pain
The jaw and cervical spine are closely connected. Pain in one often affects the other.
Why Your Jaw Pain Keeps Coming Back
Many people try multiple treatments before finding real relief. This isn't your fault — the underlying cause usually hasn't been addressed.
Night guards and chiropractic care can work together. Night guards are valuable for protecting teeth from grinding — and for many patients, a chiropractic approach addresses the underlying muscle and joint tension that drives or results from the clenching behavior.
Botox provides temporary relief. Injections can relax muscles short-term, but joint dysfunction usually remains.
When TMJ involves more than the bite. When TMJ symptoms involve the joint mechanics, muscles, or cervical spine, chiropractic care can work alongside dental treatment to address what appliances alone may not reach.
Pain medication manages symptoms. It reduces pain temporarily but does nothing to restore normal jaw function.
Surgery carries real risks. Invasive procedures should be a last resort — most cases respond well to conservative care first.
Generic PT misses the jaw-neck connection. The jaw and cervical spine work together. Treating only one often leaves the root cause unaddressed.
There's a better path. A chiropractic approach to TMJ care looks at the whole picture — the joint, muscles, neck, and how you move. The goal is helping your body function better, not just masking the pain.
Our Chiropractic Approach to TMJ Pain
We use a hands-on, evidence-informed approach that treats the jaw as part of the whole body — not just an isolated joint.
Comprehensive Evaluation
A thorough assessment of your jaw, neck, posture, and movement patterns to understand what's driving your symptoms.
Progressive Treatment Plan
A structured plan tailored to your goals, with clear milestones so you always know where you are in your recovery.
Chiropractic Joint Treatment
Gentle, precise treatment to the jaw joint and cervical spine to restore alignment, reduce tension, and improve movement.
Soft Tissue & Muscle Work
Targeted therapy including intraoral work to the muscles of the jaw, temples, and neck that are often tight or overworked in TMJ disorder.
Jaw Mobility Training
Guided exercises to restore normal movement patterns, reduce restriction, and build resilience over time.
Neck & Postural Care
Addressing the cervical spine, because jaw pain and neck tension are closely linked — treating both produces better outcomes.
Laser Therapy
Class IV therapeutic laser reduces inflammation and promotes healing deep in the joint and surrounding tissue, accelerating recovery when indicated.
What to Expect at Oregon TMJ
We keep things clear and simple. Here's how your first visits typically unfold.
Initial Consultation & Exam
We'll review your history, symptoms, and goals. A thorough exam of your jaw, neck, and posture gives us a clear picture of what's happening and why.
Review of Findings
We explain what we found in plain language. You'll understand your diagnosis and the contributing factors before we begin any treatment.
Your Personalized Treatment Plan
Together, we build a care plan that fits your schedule and goals. You'll know what treatment looks like, how often, and what to expect along the way.
Hands-On Treatment Begins
Care is gentle and focused. Most patients notice some improvement within the first few visits, though results vary by individual and severity.
Progress & Ongoing Support
We track your progress and adjust as needed. The goal is lasting improvement — not just temporary relief.
Visits range from 15–45 minutes. You can book directly online through our Book Appointment button, or just call or text us to find the right time for you.
What Better Jaw Health Can Mean for You
When the root cause of TMJ disorder is addressed, many patients experience meaningful changes in their daily life.
Less Jaw Pain Day to Day
Reduced aching, soreness, and tension — especially in the morning and after eating.
Better Sleep
Less nighttime clenching and teeth grinding can lead to more restful sleep and calmer mornings.
Easier Eating
Improved jaw mobility and reduced pain while chewing — so mealtimes are less stressful.
Fewer Headaches
Treating the jaw and neck together can reduce the frequency and intensity of tension headaches.
Less Daily Tension
When chronic jaw pain decreases, many patients feel less anxious and more focused throughout the day.
Clarity About Your Condition
Understanding what's causing your pain — and what to do about it — is itself a major source of relief.
★★★★★"I sought out chiropractic care to help with headaches/TMJ pain and I am so glad I found Back in Shape Chiropractic! I feel heard and well cared for as a patient of Dr. Segal."
— Alejandra, Portland, OR
★★★★★"I have been seeing Dr. Segal for almost 20 years and he is truly a miracle worker. I won't go to anyone else."
— Jenn, Milwaukie, OR
* Individual results vary. These are representative patient experiences and are not a guarantee of outcomes.
Insurance & Payment Options
Cost shouldn't be a barrier to getting better. We are in-network with many major insurance plans and offer clear self-pay options.
In-Network Insurance Plans
We are in-network with many major insurance plans including Regence, PacificSource, Providence, Moda, Kaiser, United Healthcare, Cigna, Trillium OHP, Care Oregon OHP, Medicare, VA, and others.
Important: While chiropractic spinal care is typically covered, the TMJ portion of care may be excluded from some health plans. We recommend verifying your TMJ-specific benefits before your first visit.
Auto Accident (PIP)
If your jaw or neck symptoms began after a car accident, your auto insurance Personal Injury Protection (PIP) may cover your care. We work with PIP claims.
Workers Compensation
We accept Workers Compensation claims on a case by case basis. Contact us to discuss your situation before scheduling.
Self-Pay / "Cash Pay"
We offer transparent, straightforward self-pay pricing for patients without insurance coverage or whose plan excludes TMJ care. Contact us for details — no surprise bills.
Not sure what your plan covers?
Call us before your first visit and we'll help you understand your benefits. Chiropractic TMJ care is often more affordable than dental appliances, Botox injections, or surgical procedures.
📞 Call to Verify CoverageCoverage varies by plan and individual circumstances. TMJ care may be excluded from some plans even when general chiropractic care is covered. We encourage patients to verify TMJ-specific benefits directly with their insurance provider. Oregon TMJ does not guarantee specific reimbursement amounts.
Dr. Kevin Segal, Chiropractic Physician & TMJ Enthusiast
Oregon TMJ · Milwaukie, Oregon
After 25 years at Back In Shape Chiropractic and treating many patients successfully suffering with TMJ pain and dysfunction, I recently added the Oregon TMJ name to my practice. I kept on seeing patients who had been struggling with jaw pain for years — who had worked with multiple providers without finding lasting relief.
Chiropractic care offers something different. By looking at how the jaw, neck, and surrounding muscles work together, we can often identify and address what's actually driving the problem — not just the symptoms.
I take a calm, thorough approach with every patient. Before we do anything, you'll understand what's going on and have a clear plan. Your questions are always welcome.
TMJ pain is personal to me. As a teenager, I had a large overbite that was not able to be corrected with orthodontics and at the direction of my parents, I had corrective surgery to my jaw for both cosmetic reasons and to supposedly prevent TMJ issues. Let's just say it did not prevent but likely caused me to have TMJ issues and I would not wish that on anyone.
Thankfully, my own issues were not as bad as many of the patients that I treat, but that led me to develop at least some appreciation for what some TMJD sufferers have to go through. I call myself a TMJ enthusiast because I get excited about helping people with TMJD and learning everything I can.
My practice is located in Milwaukie, and I see patients from across the greater Portland area. I'm happily married for almost 25 years with 2 children and our adorable labradoodle. Tennis, working out, outdoor adventures, keeping up my home and office and volunteering keep me busy when I'm not at work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Honest answers to the questions we hear most often.
Learn More About TMJD
Evidence-based articles to help you understand your jaw pain and what your options are.
TMJ and Headaches — What's the Connection?
If you have frequent headaches alongside jaw pain, TMJ may be the cause most doctors are missing.
🕐 4 min read Read Article → TMJ SymptomsTMJ and Ear Pain — Why Your Ears Hurt When It's Really Your Jaw
Ear pressure, ringing, and pain are surprisingly common TMJ symptoms that often get misdiagnosed.
🕐 4 min read Read Article → TMJ BasicsWhy Does My Jaw Click? What TMJ Disorder Really Means
Jaw clicking is one of the most common TMJ symptoms — but most people don't know what's actually causing it or when to get help.
🕐 4 min read Read Article → Treatment OptionsNight Guards, Botox, and Injections Didn't Help My TMJ — What's Next?
If you've tried the standard dental treatments and still have jaw pain, you're not alone — and there are real options left to explore.
🕐 5 min read Read Article → Whole-Body ConnectionYour Neck Is Causing Your Jaw Pain — The TMJ-Cervical Spine Connection
Most TMJ treatments focus only on the jaw — but research shows the neck and posture play a major role that dentists rarely address.
🕐 5 min read Read Article → TMJ SymptomsCan TMJ Cause Dizziness? What You Need to Know
Dizziness and vertigo alongside jaw pain may not be a coincidence — here's what the connection is and how chiropractic care can help.
🕐 4 min read Read Article → BruxismTeeth Grinding and TMJ — Breaking the Cycle of Bruxism
Grinding and clenching are among the most common drivers of TMJ disorder — and a night guard alone rarely breaks the cycle.
🕐 5 min read Read Article → Sleep & TMJTMJ and Sleep — How Jaw Problems Affect Your Rest
Poor sleep and TMJ disorder feed into each other. Here's how to break that cycle with a whole-body approach.
🕐 4 min read Read Article → Getting StartedWhat to Expect at Your First TMJ Chiropractic Visit in Oregon
Not sure what happens at a chiropractic TMJ appointment? Here's exactly what to expect so you can come in with confidence.
🕐 4 min read Read Article → Treatment OptionsClass IV Therapeutic Laser for TMJ Pain — How It Works and Why It Helps
Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment with a growing body of evidence for TMJ pain. Here's an honest look at what the research shows.
🕐 5 min read Read Article → Insurance & CostIs TMJ Treatment Covered by Insurance in Oregon?
Insurance coverage for TMJ is confusing — and the answer depends on how your care is classified. Here's what to know before your first visit.
🕐 4 min read Read Article → Local ResourcesTMJ Treatment in Milwaukie and Southeast Portland — A Convenient Option Close to Home
If you're dealing with jaw pain in the Portland metro area, here's what your local treatment options actually look like.
🕐 4 min read Read Article → Self-CareTMJ Exercises at Home — Gentle Movements to Support Your Jaw
Evidence-informed jaw and neck exercises you can do between visits to reduce muscle tension, improve mobility, and support your recovery.
🕐 7 min read Read Article → InteractiveExplore Your Jaw — Interactive TMJ Anatomy Model
Click on jaw muscles to identify them, see the TMJ disc in normal and displaced positions, and understand what's happening inside your joint.
🖱 Interactive Tool Explore → Treatment OptionsNight Guards for TMJ and Bruxism — What They Do, What They Don't
A clear, honest guide to night guards — their real benefits for bruxism and tooth protection, their limitations, and what to consider if yours hasn't brought lasting relief.
🕐 7 min read Read Article → Symptoms & CausesTMJ Jaw Locking — Why Your Jaw Gets Stuck and What to Do
Jaw locking is one of the most alarming TMJ symptoms. Learn what's actually happening with the disc, what the research says about treatment, and why most cases don't need surgery.
🕐 7 min read Read Article → Symptoms & CausesTMJ and Stress — Why Anxiety Makes Jaw Pain Worse
Stress doesn't just feel bad — it physically changes how your jaw muscles behave, driving clenching and TMJ pain in a self-reinforcing cycle. Learn the biology and how to interrupt it.
🕐 7 min read Read Article → Free ToolDo I Have TMJ Disorder? — Free Self-Assessment
Answer 10 evidence-based questions to find out whether your symptoms match TMJ disorder. Based on validated clinical criteria. Instant results, no email required.
⏱ 2 min assessment Take the Assessment →Take the First Step Toward Jaw Relief
You've been dealing with this long enough. Schedule an evaluation — let's find out what's actually going on, and what we can do about it.
Request Information or Appointment
Fill out the form or simply text us if you'd like more information or can't find a convenient appointment through our link above — and we'll reach out soon to see if we can help!
We see patients Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 8:30 am – 6:00 pm. Available Tuesday & Friday by text, voicemail, or email.
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We typically follow up within 1–3 business days.
Our Office
Office Hours
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
8:30 am – 6:00 pm
Tuesday & Friday — available by
text, voicemail, or email
