Patient: Ashley, female, age 27 — Green Bay, WI · Condition: Low back pain with co-occurring TMJ (jaw) pain · Care provided by Dr. Hunter Schultz, DC
Patient Presentation
Ashley, a 27-year-old female, came to 920 Chiropractic with low back pain spanning across her lower back that had persisted for two weeks. The pain was affecting her workouts, her ability to work, and her sleep. Alongside the low back pain, Ashley was also experiencing TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain — a combination that is more common than many patients realize, since spinal misalignment and jaw tension can be mechanically and neurologically linked.
Clinical Assessment
Dr. Schultz evaluated Ashley’s spinal alignment and jaw mechanics together, rather than treating the two complaints as unrelated issues, in order to build a care plan that addressed both sources of tension.
Treatment Plan & Clinical Rationale
Ashley’s plan consisted of a series of 24 chiropractic visits, structured to address both her low back pain and her TMJ symptoms over the course of her care.
Outcome
Ashley became fully pain-free in her low back and her TMJ pain resolved as well. She was able to return to her regular workout routine without pain or restriction.
Clinical Takeaway
Ashley’s case highlights an often-overlooked connection between spinal alignment and TMJ dysfunction. Patients experiencing jaw pain alongside back or neck pain may benefit from a chiropractic evaluation that considers the whole musculoskeletal system, rather than treating the jaw and spine as separate, unrelated complaints.
Case details shared with patient consent. Individual results vary based on condition, history, and adherence to the care plan.
