Your jaw pain, headaches and neck pain might be coming from the same place
It usually shows up as pain in front of the ear, a jaw that pops or clicks, or headaches that come and go with stress. Sometimes the jaw started it. Sometimes the headaches came first and the clicking followed. Either way, it tends to creep in and then quietly take over how you eat, sleep, and get through the day.
Many people have already tried the usual first steps, a night guard for the grinding or clenching, maybe muscle relaxers or Botox, and the symptoms still have not fully gone away. That is often when they find Dr. Young. Knotted up muscles starting from the shoulders and up can be causing any number of symptoms in the head and neck area.
When the temporomandibular joint is misaligned advanced wear and tear occurs which can lead to arthritis.
What is TMJ, and why does it cause headaches and ear pain?
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint, the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull, along with the muscles that move it. When the joint sits out of alignment, the small cushioning disc inside it can slip out of place. That lets the bones grind directly against each other, and over time that wear can progress into osteoarthritis.
The muscles matter just as much. The biggest culprit is the masseter, your main chewing muscle and one of the strongest in the body. When it gets overworked it can refer pain into the head and around the ear, which is why so many people with TMJ also deal with headaches and migraines without realizing the two are connected.
TMJ treatment with dry needling, from a certified practitioner
Meet Dr. Yacey Young
Dr. Yacey Young, DC, has practiced dry needling since opening her clinic in 2020 and completed advanced TMJ-specific dry needling training through Structure & Function Education, a world leader in dry needling, rehab and performance education.
She works with TMJ regularly, including referrals from local dentists. Her care is time-based, so you are not rushed, and she takes time to explain what is happening and why.
How dry needling releases the jaw muscles
Tight muscle fibers get knotted and stop gliding the way they should. A thin needle placed into the muscle helps that tension release, and gentle electrical stimulation helps the muscle reset, almost like starting fresh. From there, Dr. Young gives you corrective exercises so the fibers move smoothly again instead of balling back up.
Why dentists and orthodontists refer their TMJ patients here
People who have had braces, Invisalign, or other dental work often end up with overworked jaw muscles, which is exactly what dry needling addresses. Many patients arrive after a night guard or other first-line care has not fully resolved things, and this is why Dr. Young often receives TMJ referrals directly from dental offices in the area.
Although collaboration with other healthcare providers may sometimes be appropriate, you do not need a referral to see Dr. Young. You can schedule an appointment directly with the office to begin treatment.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Step 1: Full Assessment
Step 2: Targeted Dry Needling
Step 3: A Plan Built Around Relief
What TMJ relief can look like
Fewer, less intense headaches. When the jaw and neck muscles settle down, the headaches and migraines they were driving often ease too. One patient went from headaches several times a week to a couple every few weeks.
A jaw that works again. Less clicking, less locking, and more comfort when you eat and talk.
A plan, not a guess. Care aimed at the muscles and movement behind the pain, with exercises you can keep up at home.
Common questions about TMJ treatment in Lawrence, KS
For most areas of the body, dry needling should not hurt beyond the small pinch of the needle. The jaw is more sensitive, so Dr. Young usually starts with the neck and shoulders, especially if it is your first time, and works up to the jaw once you are comfortable. The goal is relief, at a pace that works for you.
Every case is different, and Dr. Young will not promise a guaranteed cure. What she can do is treat the muscles and joint mechanics driving your symptoms, and many patients get significant, lasting relief, especially when they keep up the corrective exercises.
Often, yes. Because TMJ headaches frequently come from the jaw and neck muscles, releasing those muscles can ease both the jaw pain and the headaches that come with it.
Yes. Dr. Young treats TMJ in patients from about age 12 and up, including teens who develop jaw issues after braces or other orthodontic work.
A mouth guard protects your teeth from grinding and clenching while Botox can provide temporary pain relief. They are common first steps, and some people use them alongside other care. Dry needling takes a different route: it works directly on the tight muscle and the movement pattern behind the pain, then backs it up with corrective exercises. If another option is a better fit for you, Dr. Young will discuss referral options to get you where you need to be.
Young Spine & Joint is a time-based, cash-pay practice, with a longer first visit and shorter follow-ups. You are welcome to ask about current rates when you book.
Ready for relief from TMJ pain?
You do not have to keep living around the jaw pain and the headaches. Dr. Yacey Young offers focused TMJ treatment in Lawrence, KS, and will tell you honestly whether she can help. Book your first visit online to get started.
