TMJ Pain, Headaches, Migraines, and Jaw Clicking: Dr. Rambod Derakhshani’s Complete Treatment Protocol
Jaw clicking, facial pain, headaches, migraines, pain while chewing, and neck tension are not problems I treat as “just a jaw issue.” The temporomandibular joint is connected to the muscles of the face, head, and neck, as well as the way the cervical spine moves and supports the head.
At The Healing Joint, Dr. Rambod Derakhshani uses a direct, comprehensive TMJ protocol. The goal is to identify the muscle and movement restrictions contributing to the problem, address them thoroughly, and build the strength and control needed to keep the jaw and neck moving better.
Dr. Derakhshani's TMJ Treatment Recommendation
For most appropriate TMJ cases, Dr. Rambod recommends **six to twelve treatments**, generally **two visits per week for three to six weeks**. That schedule allows us to work consistently through the jaw, neck, and muscle patterns instead of treating the area once and hoping the problem simply settles down.
Your examination and severity of symptoms determines the final plan. Some people need care at the shorter end of the range; more persistent or complex cases may require more visits, co-management with a dentist or medical specialist, or both.
Why TMJ Symptoms Often Include Headaches and Neck Pain
Watch How the Jaw and TMJ Muscles Move
The jaw does not move by itself. The temporalis, masseter, medial pterygoid, lateral pterygoid, and supporting muscles coordinate chewing, opening, closing, and side-to-side motion. The joint also combines rotation and forward gliding as the mouth opens.
When these muscles become irritated, overactive, restricted, or poorly coordinated, patients can experience jaw pain, clicking, clenching, facial tension, headache patterns, and neck discomfort. This is why a proper TMJ evaluation must include the jaw **and** the cervical spine, posture, muscle tone, and movement patterns.
The Complete TMJ Protocol at The Healing Joint
Active Release Technique® for the Neck and Jaw Muscles
I use Active Release Technique® and focused soft-tissue treatment to address restrictions in the muscles of the neck, temples, jaw, and surrounding areas. These tissues can become tender, guarded, and overloaded in patients who clench, grind, sit with forward-head posture, or have been dealing with symptoms for a long time.
Internal and External TMJ Muscle Work
Some key muscles involved in jaw movement are accessible externally; others require carefully performed internal work. When indicated and performed with clear consent, internal and external TMJ muscle treatment lets us directly address restricted jaw-muscle patterns that cannot be fully reached from the outside alone.
Gentle Cervical Chiropractic Adjustments and Manipulation
The neck and jaw operate as a connected system. Restricted cervical motion and persistent neck tension can keep loading the jaw and its supporting muscles. Gentle chiropractic adjustments or manipulation are used, when appropriate after examination, to restore cervical movement and reduce unnecessary strain through the jaw-and-neck system.
Class IV Laser Therapy to Both Jaw Joints
Class IV laser therapy is applied to both sides of the jaw joint and surrounding tissues as part of the protocol. It is noninvasive and fits naturally with the hands-on work, movement restoration, and exercises used in our treatment plan. Research on photobiomodulation for TMD has reported improvements in pain and mouth-opening measures, although laser settings and study protocols differ. [Review the research]
Acupuncture Is Recommended as Part of the Protocol
Dr. Rambod recommends acupuncture for appropriate TMJ patients because it complements the hands-on and movement-based work. It can address muscular tension in and around the jaw, head, and neck while supporting the broader treatment plan.
Corrective Exercises for the Neck and Upper Back
We prescribe exercises to improve neck and upper-back strength, posture, shoulder-blade control, and jaw movement awareness. This step matters because stronger support and better movement control help reduce recurring overload on the jaw and neck.
When You Should Schedule an Evaluation
Schedule a TMJ evaluation if you have ongoing jaw pain, painful clicking, limited opening, clenching, facial tension, headaches, migraines connected to jaw or neck tension, or pain while chewing. Significant trauma, a locked jaw, fever or swelling, dental infection, a major bite change, or new neurologic symptoms should be assessed promptly by the appropriate medical or dental professional.
Start Your TMJ Treatment Plan
If TMJ pain, clicking, headaches, or neck tension are affecting your day, schedule an evaluation at The Healing Joint in Scottsdale. Dr. Rambod will assess the full jaw-and-neck system and recommend the right starting plan.