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Jaw Pain (TMJ Disorder) Treatment
Jaw pain can affect eating, speaking, yawning, sleeping, and even concentration throughout the day. Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) are one of the most common causes of non-dental facial pain, affecting approximately 5–12% of the population. Symptoms may involve the jaw joints, chewing muscles, or surrounding structure
Where Do You Feel Jaw Pain?
1. Around The Jaw Joint
Pain directly in front of the ear around the jaw joint.
2. In The Cheek Muscles
Pain or tenderness in the chewing muscles.
3. Around The Temple
Pain that may resemble tension-type headaches.
4. Around The Ear
Pain that may feel like ear discomfort despite no ear infection being present.
5. Into The Neck Or Shoulder
Jaw pain can sometimes be accompanied by neck pain, upper shoulder tension, or headaches
What Can Influence Your Jaw Pain?
1. Jaw Clenching & Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Excessive clenching or grinding (often associated with stress or anxiety) may increase stress on the jaw muscles and joints, potentially contributing to pain, stiffness, and fatigue.
2. Trauma
Previous injuries to the jaw, face, head, or neck may contribute to ongoing jaw symptoms. This may include sporting injuries, accidents, or a history of jaw dislocation..
3. Neck Function & Head Position
The jaw and neck work closely together during everyday movement and function. Changes in neck mobility, muscle tension, and head position may influence jaw symptoms in some people.
4. Sleep & Mouth Breathing
Poor sleep quality sleep apnea, and habitual mouth breathing may influence jaw muscle activity, pain sensitivity, and recovery.
5. Stress & Emotional Wellbeing
Stress, anxiety, and emotional wellbeing can influence muscle tension, pain sensitivity, and jaw-related habits such as clenching or grinding.
Common Jaw Pain Presentations
1. Jaw Pain While Chewing
(Commonly associated with jaw muscle or joint irritation)
Pain during chewing, eating tougher foods, or prolonged talking.
2. Jaw Clicking or Popping
(Commonly associated with changes in jaw joint mechanics)
Clicking, popping, or snapping sensations when opening or closing the mouth.
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3. Jaw Stiffness or Difficulty Opening
(Often associated with restricted jaw mobility)
Difficulty opening the mouth fully, yawning, or eating larger foods.
4. Jaw Locking
(May occur when normal jaw movement becomes restricted)
Episodes where the jaw feels stuck open or closed.
5. Jaw Pain With Headaches
(Often associated with jaw muscle tension)
Pain around the temples, forehead, or side of the head accompanying jaw symptoms.
6. Jaw Pain With Neck Pain
(A common overlap in people with TMD)
Pain that occurs alongside neck stiffness, upper shoulder tension, or postural discomfort.
What Current Research Suggests
Most people with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) improve with conservative management. Current evidence supports approaches that combine education, exercise, self-management, and appropriate hands-on care the first line of care for most people with TMD before considering more invasive interventions.
1. Permanent Bite Adjustment
Irreversible dental procedures or bite adjustments are generally not recommended as first-line treatment for most people with TMD.
2. Surgery
Surgical interventions are typically reserved for specific cases where significant joint pathology is present or when conservative management has been unsuccessful.
3. Injection-Based-Treatments
Current evidence does not routinely support injections such as botulinum toxin, trigger point injections, steroid injections, or hyaluronic acid injections as first-line management for most people with TMD.
4. Passive Treatments Alone
Current guidelines favour active approaches such as education, exercise, and self-management rather than relying solely on passive treatments.
How Can We Help?
At Motion Wellness Chiropractic, our approach aligns with current clinical guidelines, focusing on education, exercise, self-management, and appropriate hands-on care to help reduce pain and improve jaw function.
Hands-on Care
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Chiropractic adjustment
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Jaw Mobilisation
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Jaw Muscle Release
Rehabilitation Exercise
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Jaw exercises
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Tongue exercise
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Breathing exercise
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Stretching exercises
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Neck mobility exercises
Lifestyle Guidance
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Jaw clenching & grinding
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Stress management
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Sleep intervention
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Activity modification
Collaborative Care
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GP
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Dentist
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Physiotherapist
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Psychologist
Reference
Busse, J.W., Riva, J.J., Montoya, L., et al. (2023) ‘Management of chronic pain associated with temporomandibular disorders: a clinical practice guideline’, BMJ, 383, e076226.
Harrison, A.L., Thorp, J.N., Ritzline, P.D. and Hammond, S.L. (2014) ‘Diagnostic classification of temporomandibular disorders for physical therapists’, Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 44(6), pp. 423–436.
Lewis, J., Klasser, G.D. and Greene, C.S. (2022) ‘The aetiology of temporomandibular disorders: implications for assessment and management’, Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 49(8), pp. 843–853.
Ooi, K., Matsuka, Y., Kawano, F., et al. (2025) ‘Clinical practice guidelines in primary treatment for temporomandibular disorders’, Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 52(3), pp. 201–218.
Shimada, A., Matsuzaki, H., Watanabe, T. and Sato, Y. (2023) ‘Effectiveness of exercise therapy on pain relief and jaw function in patients with temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review’, Frontiers in Oral Health, 4, 1170966.
