By Dr. Lori Jokinen, DC – Functional Health Unlimited, Woodbury, MN

When patients come to my office after a car accident, the most common complaints I hear are neck pain, back pain, headaches, and muscle stiffness. What often goes unrecognized and untreated, however, is jaw pain related to TMJ dysfunction—a condition frequently caused by whiplash injuries.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge joint that connects your jaw to your skull. It plays a vital role in everyday activities like speaking, chewing, and swallowing. Most people don’t realize how much they rely on this joint—until it becomes painful or restricted.

When the TMJ is injured, symptoms may include:

• Jaw pain or facial tension
• Clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth
• Headaches or ear discomfort
• Pain while chewing
• Difficulty opening the mouth fully

How Car Accidents Can Cause TMJ Injuries

During a collision—especially in rear-end accidents or T-bone crashes—the head is rapidly forced forward and backward. This motion, known as whiplash, can place significant strain on the muscles and ligaments surrounding the jaw and cervical spine.

If your mouth was slightly open at the moment of impact (which is common), the TMJ can become even more vulnerable to injury.

Research supports this connection. Studies have shown that individuals who experience whiplash injuries are significantly more likely to develop TMJ-related pain compared to those without whiplash trauma.
(Source: National Library of Medicine – TMJ and Whiplash Association: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/)

Why TMJ Symptoms Often Go Untreated

Many people never mention their jaw pain to their doctor because they don’t realize it’s connected to the accident. Others believe there are no natural or conservative treatment options available.

The good news is: there are effective, non-invasive treatments that can help restore function and relieve discomfort.

At my clinic in Woodbury, we often use a combination of:

• Gentle jaw and cervical chiropractic adjustments
• Targeted soft tissue therapy and massage to the jaw muscles
• Therapeutic exercises to improve mobility
• Anti-inflammatory nutritional support
• Heat and cold therapy
• Custom mouth guards when appropriate

A thorough physical examination allows me to assess jaw alignment, muscle tension, and range of motion so we can develop a personalized care plan.

Specialized Auto Accident Chiropractic Care in Woodbury, MN

At Functional Health Unlimited, we specialize in evaluating and treating soft tissue injuries caused by auto accidents, including complex cases involving TMJ dysfunction and chronic whiplash symptoms.

If you’ve been in a car accident—even weeks or months ago—and are now experiencing jaw pain, headaches, or neck stiffness, I encourage you to seek care sooner rather than later. Early treatment can prevent long-term complications.

👉 Learn more about our auto accident care:
https://www.functionalhealthunlimited.com

👉 Schedule an appointment with our Woodbury clinic:
https://www.functionalhealthunlimited.com/contact

Dr. Lori Jokinen, DC, CACCP, CFMP, BA
Functional Medicine & Chiropractic Care
Functional Health Unlimited – Woodbury, Minnesota