The Truth About TMJ, Jaw Pain & Viral Chiropractic Dr Stratton Poulson The Functional Code

Jaw pain. Headaches. Migraines. Clicking. Locking. Tinnitus.Most people don’t realize their TMJ could be driving all of it.In Episode 109 of The Functional Code, Dr. Jace and Dr. Addy sit down with Dr. Stratton Poulson, chiropractor, educator, and founder of Apex Chiropractic in Dallas, Texas — one of the most recognized voices in modern chiropractic with over 1.5 million followers.This is not just another “jaw cracking” conversation.We dive deep into:✅ What a powerful chiropractic adjustment actually means✅ The difference between smooth vs forceful adjustments✅ Why 80% of TMJ cases are muscle-driven✅ Disc displacement (with & without reduction) explained simply✅ How jaw dysfunction contributes to migraines & headaches✅ The connection between TMJ and vertigo / tinnitus✅ Why clenching at night destroys the joint✅ Night guards: what works and what makes it worse✅ How to assess disc dysfunction clinically✅ When surgery is actually necessary✅ How to choose the right chiropractor for TMJ✅ At-home tools for jaw reliefDr. Stratton breaks down complex biomechanics into practical frameworks clinicians can use immediately — and gives patients actionable steps they can apply today.If you struggle with:• TMJ pain• Jaw clicking or locking• Chronic headaches or migraines• Neck tension• Tinnitus or dizziness• Clenching and grindingThis episode is essential listening.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – What Makes an Adjustment “Powerful”?03:00 – Why Chiropractic Works Faster Than Rehab08:00 – The Art vs Science of Adjusting10:30 – How Dr. Stratton Became “The Jaw Guy”14:00 – TMJ Classification: Hypermobile vs Hypomobile18:00 – Disc Displacement & Ligament Damage23:00 – How to Stabilize a Clicking Jaw25:00 – Muscle vs Joint Pain: How to Tell30:00 – Night Guards: What Actually Works34:00 – Dental Work & TMJ Dysfunction39:00 – TMJ, Vertigo & Tinnitus Explained46:00 – Smooth vs Forceful Adjustments54:00 – Understanding Jaw Deviation Patterns01:04:00 – Jaw Adjustment Techniques Explained01:10:00 – At-Home TMJ Treatment01:14:00 – Jaw Pain & Migraines Connection01:16:00 – Mouth Taping, Airway & Development01:21:00 – Chewing on One Side & Joint Compression01:24:00 – How to Choose the Right Chiropractor01:29:00 – When to Seek Help🔬 Key Takeaways- TMJ dysfunction is often muscular — but can become structural over time.- Clicking doesn’t always mean damage — but it does mean dysfunction.- The longer you wait, the harder TMJ becomes to treat.- Smooth precision beats brute force in chiropractic.- Many “mystery” headaches originate in the jaw and neck.📲Dr. Stratton Poulson Founder, Apex Chiropractic – Dallas, TX https://www.apexchiropractic.org/YouTube: @dr.strattonpoulson https://www.youtube.com/@dr.strattonpoulsonInstagram: @stratpoulson https://www.instagram.com/stratpoulson/🎙 About The Functional CodeHosted by Dr. Jace & Dr. Addy, The Functional Code decodes health, performance, longevity, and human optimization through an evidence-based, tissue-specific lens.New episodes weekly.Subscribe for:• Evidence-based health strategies• Human performance science• Clinical frameworks• Bio-optimization tools🎧 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE🎙 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3aY5zkhwg5Rzk2q33cbIlf🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-functional-code-podcast/id1754585557📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1ik_6wOJin5IxtZXvHdurw⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before making health decisions.