Conditions

Jaw Pain (TMJ)

Jaw pain can be a debilitating condition and can even cause problems in the neck. On this page you will find more information about temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain.

Overview

TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) pain refers to discomfort or dysfunction in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. It can manifest as pain, clicking or popping sounds, difficulty chewing, and even locking of the jaw. TMJ pain can significantly impact daily activities such as eating, speaking, and even yawning.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of TMJ dysfunction can include:

  • Jaw pain: This can be Persistent or intermittent pain in the jaw joint, often worsened by chewing or yawning.

  • Clicking or Popping Sounds: Audible clicking, popping, or grinding sensations when opening or closing the mouth.

  • Jaw restriction: Difficulty fully opening or closing the mouth, often accompanied by jaw stiffness.

  • Earache: Pain or discomfort in the ears, often mistaken for ear infections due to the proximity of the TMJ to the ear canal.

  • Headaches: Recurrent headaches, particularly in the temples or behind the eyes, may be associated with TMJ dysfunction.

  • Facial Pain: Discomfort or tenderness in the facial muscles, particularly around the cheeks and temples.

  • Locking of the Jaw: In severe cases, the jaw may lock in an open or closed position.

Causes

Several factors can contribute to TMJ pain, including:

  • Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Clenching or grinding teeth, often during sleep, can strain the TMJ.

  • Misalignment of the Teeth or Jaw: Irregularities in dental or jaw alignment can put undue stress on the TMJ.

  • Arthritis: Inflammation of the TMJ due to arthritis can cause pain and stiffness.

  • Stress: Emotional or psychological stress can lead to jaw clenching or tightening of facial muscles, exacerbating TMJ pain.

Treatment

A lot can be done for TMJ pain, but the first step is to undertake an examination to find what the pain causing structures are. Following this assessment, a personalised treatment plan will be developed to target your specific needs. Treatment modalities may encompass soft tissue techniques, including trigger point therapy and active release techniques, aimed at relieving tension in the jaw muscles. Additionally, therapeutic exercises and stretches are often prescribed to promote long-term relief and improve jaw function. Further information on how chiropractic treatment works can be found here.

FAQs

  • Most of the time your dentist will be able to see some evidence of grinding teeth such as flattening of the surface of the teeth. Often times a partner will also be able to tell as it can cause some noise as you sleep.

  • This very much depends on the underlying cause. However, a good start is to work on stress management, avoidance of hard to chew foods and addressing any poor postures you may be aware of. Over the counter pain killers can also help, such as paracetamol.

  • The best and easiest way to book your appointment is to book online. You will be able to see all the available appointments at a glance making it simple to find a time that suits you. Alternatively, you can contact us by email or phone here.

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If you have any further questions, please check out our FAQs page, or get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.