Gentle TMJ Relief with Activator Methods® in Concord, NC

Is your jaw driving you crazy? Clicking, popping, or aching when you eat or talk? You’re not alone. TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems can turn chewing and even sleeping into a chore. At Pure Chiropractic in Concord, NC, Dr. Jerry Pokorney provides Activator Methods® chiropractic adjustments—a precise, low‑force, no‑pop approach that helps calm irritated jaw joints without twisting, cracking, or injections.

Dr. Pokorney is Advanced Proficiency Rated—the highest rating—with Activator Methods® and tailors care for sensitive areas like the jaw and upper neck.

What do TMJ and TMD (temporomandibular disorder) feel like?

• Jaw pain or tightness, especially mornings or after long days

• Clicking/popping or limited opening (a “stuck” feeling)

• Headaches, ear fullness/ringing, neck and face muscle tension

• Chewing fatigue or bite discomfort

These symptoms can build gradually from stress, clenching/grinding, posture strain ("tech neck"), prior dental work, arthritis, or irritation in the upper neck.

Why your jaw and neck are connected:

Your jaw doesn’t work alone. Nerves and muscles connect the TMJ and upper cervical spine. When the upper neck gets irritated, it can change how your jaw moves and trigger protective muscle guarding. Addressing both areas often delivers better, longer‑lasting relief.

How Activator Methods® helps:

Activator Methods® uses a handheld instrument to deliver quick, gentle impulses to very specific points. For TMJ cases, this offers:

• Precision – Targeted corrections to the jaw, upper neck, and related structures

• Comfort – No twisting or high‑force maneuvers when your jaw is sore

• Less muscle guarding – The instrument’s speed helps your body accept corrections before muscles tense

• Whole‑spine approach – Includes the cervical spine and supportive muscles that influence jaw motion

Research and case reports suggest many TMJ patients may experience meaningful improvements in pain and jaw opening when Activator Methods® is part of their care plan!¹ Results vary.

What to expect at our office:

Initial visit – We review your history, assess jaw motion and tenderness, evaluate posture and neck function.
Gentle treatment – Dr. Pokorney uses the Activator instrument to deliver precise, low‑force corrections to the jaw and upper cervical areas.
Personalized treatment plan – Care often starts more frequent, then tapers as you improve. Many notice positive changes within the first few visits.

Benefits patients often report:*

• Softer jaw tension and fewer flare‑ups

• Easier opening/chewing with reduced clicking

• Fewer tension headaches and less neck tightness

• Better sleep and less morning clenching

  *Individual results may vary; no treatment can guarantee specific outcomes.

Simple support at home:

• Relaxed jaw posture: Lips together, teeth apart, tongue resting on the roof of your mouth

• Manage stress: Breathing exercises and a consistent sleep schedule

• Food choices: Temporarily avoid hard/chewy foods; cut things smaller

• Better posture: Screen at eye level; take frequent breaks from computer work

Who’s a good fit?

Activator Methods® is ideal for people with acute jaw pain too sensitive for manual manipulation; chronic TMD with neck tension or headaches; pregnant patients; older adults; or anyone preferring a gentle, drug‑free approach.

Why choose Pure Chiropractic?

Dr. Pokorney provides gentle chiropractic care, without the twisting, popping, or cracking that is tailored to sensitive TMJ cases. We focus on the jaw‑neck connection for longer‑lasting relief.

Ready for gentle TMJ relief?

Don’t let jaw pain or clicking control your day. With gentle, precise Activator Methods® care at Pure Chiropractic, you can move, chew, and sleep more comfortably. Schedule your appointment today by clicking here or call our office at (704) 793-1329 and take the first step toward lasting TMJ relief in Concord, NC.

*Medical Disclaimer: The content on this blog is intended for informational purposes only and is not designed to offer specific medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for consulting with a licensed healthcare professional. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

*This article is for general information and not a diagnosis. If you have severe pain, trauma, fever, or joint locking that won’t resolve, seek care promptly.

Reference

1. DeVocht JW, Long CR, Zeitler DL, Schaeffer W. Chiropractic treatment of temporomandibular disorders using the Activator Adjusting Instrument: a prospective case series. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2003;26(7):421–425. doi:10.1016/S0161-4754(03)00096-4.