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Chronic Pain

We appreciate your confidence in us at Smiles of Cary for your patient’s needs.

TMJ International
Over 70 Centres Located in 7 Countries

Over 70 Centres

LOCATED IN 7 COUNTRIES
Decades of Combined Experience

Decades

OF COMBINED EXPERIENCE
Tens of Thousands of Patients Treated

Tens of Thousands

OF PATIENTS TREATED
Non-invasive Solutions

Understanding Chronic Pain

Chronic pain persists beyond normal healing time and often overlaps multiple systems—joints, muscles, and nerves—while stress and poor sleep keep the cycle going. At the Smiles of Cary, we identify the drivers behind your pain and tailor non-surgical therapies that calm irritation, restore function, and help you get your life back.

When To Seek This Treatment

Diagnosis

TMJ Dysfunction & Bite Imbalance

Overloaded jaw joints and clenching can refer pain to the temples, face, and neck.
Diagnosis

Myofascial Trigger Points

Tight, overworked muscles in the jaw, neck, and shoulders refer pain to surrounding regions.
Diagnosis

Irritated pathways (including SPG involvement) can amplify headaches and facial pain.

Nerve Overactivity
Diagnosis

Forward head posture and mouth breathing increase strain on the neck and jaw.

Forward head posture and mouth breathing increase strain on the neck and jaw.
Diagnosis

Prior Injury & Stress

Whiplash, sports impacts, and chronic stress can sensitize tissues and prolong pain.

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    Goals Of Treatment

    Reduce Pain and Flare-Ups

    Calm irritated tissues and nerves to decrease daily pain levels and minimize recurrences.

    Restore Functional Movement

    Improve jaw, neck, and shoulder mobility so eating, speaking, working, and exercising feel natural again.

    Improve Sleep and Energy

    Break the pain–sleep cycle to support deeper, more restorative rest and daytime focus.

    Build Long-Term Resilience

    Strengthen supportive muscles, optimize habits, and establish simple routines that keep pain controlled.

    Testimonials

    Real Stories, Real Relief

    At Smiles of Cary, we understand how life-changing it can be to finally find relief from TMJ pain and sleep-related issues. Our patients’ journeys are the true measure of our work, and their stories reflect the care, compassion, and lasting results we strive to provide every day.

    Smiles of Cary

    Why Choose Us?

    Medication & Surgery

    Why Traditional Methods Fail

    • Temporary Relief
      Analgesics and muscle relaxants can dull pain but don’t fix mechanical overload or nerve sensitization
    • Fragmented Care
      Treating one area in isolation ignores referred pain patterns and airway/posture drivers
    • Passive Strategies
      Without active rehabilitation and habit change, symptoms tend to rebound
    • Escalation Risks
      Stronger meds or invasive procedures may add side effects without solving root causes

    Our Non Surgical Approach

    • Trigger Point Therapy
      Releases tight muscle bands in the jaw, neck, and shoulders to reduce referred pain
    • Laser Therapy
      Calms inflammation and speeds tissue repair without medication
    • SphenoCath
      Targets SPG-related nerve pathways to reduce migraine and facial pain intensity
    • PRF Injections
      Uses your own healing factors to support recovery in compromised tissues
    • Oral Appliances & Myofunctional Therapy
      Stabilize TMJ mechanics and retrain breathing and muscle patterns for long-term control
    Our Commitment

    Start Your Path to Relief

    Chronic pain doesn’t have to define your day. At the Smiles of Cary, we combine gentle, evidence-based therapies with practical routines that last. Take the first step toward steadier comfort and better sleep.

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    Health Benefits and Risks

    Chronic Pain & Whole-Body Health

    Chronic pain drains energy, disrupts sleep, and impacts mood and focus. By calming irritated tissues and restoring healthy movement and breathing, patients often see benefits far beyond symptom relief—better sleep, steadier energy, and more consistent performance at work and home.

    Who Is at Risk?

    People with TMJ dysfunction, clenching, or bruxism

    Individuals with prior whiplash or sports injuries

    Desk workers with forward-head posture and screen strain

    Chronic mouth breathers or those with poor sleep

    Anyone experiencing high, ongoing stress

    FAQ

    Frequently Asked Questions About Chronic Pain

    Chronic Pain is one of the specialized services we provide at the Smiles of Cary. Our focus is on identifying the root causes behind your symptoms and delivering safe, non-surgical solutions that support long-term health and comfort.

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    Pain is considered chronic when it lasts longer than expected tissue healing—often 3 months or more. It frequently involves sensitized nerves, muscle imbalance, and habit patterns. By addressing mechanics (TMJ, posture, breathing), calming tissues (laser, trigger point therapy), and retraining habits, many patients achieve major improvements without surgery.

    Timelines vary, but many patients feel early relief within 2–6 weeks as muscle tension eases and sleep quality improves. More durable gains typically develop over 6–12 weeks as joint loading normalizes and home routines take effect.

    Not usually. Our goal is to reduce dependence on daily medications by treating root causes. As inflammation lowers and mechanics improve, many patients taper under their physician’s guidance and maintain comfort with conservative care and simple habits.

    Recurrence often signals a trigger—stress spikes, posture changes, clenching, or sleep disruptions. We’ll identify patterns, refresh your home plan, and, if needed, add short booster treatments to get you back on track quickly.

    Yes. TMJ overload and clenching often refer pain to the temples, ears, and neck. Stabilizing the joints and releasing trigger points can significantly reduce headaches and neck/shoulder discomfort, improving overall function and sleep.
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    TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre

    INTERNATIONAL

    Global Expertise
    Local Care

    As proud members of TMJ International, we are part of a global team dedicated to advancing collaborative care in TMJ disorders and sleep therapy. Together, we bring innovation, expertise, and compassionate treatment to help patients find lasting relief and a healthier quality of life.

    If you’re struggling with jaw pain, headaches, or sleep issues, the Smiles of Cary is here to help. Our team specializes in non-surgical TMJ and sleep therapy solutions designed to restore comfort and improve your quality of life.
    919-439-6350

    1150 NW Maynard Rd, Ste 140, Cary, NC 27513
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