Cranial & TMJ Adjustments

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull on both sides of your face. When this joint becomes misaligned or the surrounding muscles develop dysfunction, the result is a condition known as TMJ disorder (TMD). Symptoms can range from mild jaw clicking to severe pain that affects eating, speaking, and sleep quality.

TMJ dysfunction is more common than most people realize — an estimated 10 million Americans suffer from it. Yet many patients go months or years without a proper diagnosis because the symptoms can mimic other conditions like ear infections, sinus problems, or tension headaches.

At Aloha Wellness, Dr. Clayton Clark uses gentle, precise cranial and TMJ adjustment techniques that address the root cause of jaw dysfunction rather than simply masking symptoms with medication or a night guard.

The cranial approach recognizes that the bones of the skull are not rigidly fused — they have subtle movement at the suture lines. Trauma, stress, dental work, or postural imbalances can restrict this natural movement, creating tension patterns that affect the jaw, sinuses, and even the nervous system.

Dr. Clark's cranial adjustments involve very light pressure applied to specific points on the skull and face. These gentle corrections can:

• Restore proper TMJ alignment and mechanics
• Release tension in the muscles of mastication (chewing muscles)
• Reduce compression on the trigeminal nerve (the main facial nerve)
• Improve cranial bone mobility at the suture lines
• Relieve sinus pressure and facial tension