Condition
TMJ and jaw pain: causes, symptoms and treatment
A clinically reviewed guide to jaw (TMJ) pain — the causes, and how it is managed conservatively.
- Head
Quick answer
TMJ disorders affect the jaw joint and its muscles, causing jaw pain, clicking or difficulty opening the mouth. Most cases improve with conservative care such as jaw exercises, manual therapy, and managing clenching and stress.
Key facts
- TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint — the jaw joint.
- Clenching and grinding are common contributors.
- Most cases respond to conservative, non-surgical care.
What is a TMJ disorder?
A TMJ disorder is a problem with the jaw joint or the muscles that move it, producing pain and altered jaw movement.
The temporomandibular joints connect the jaw to the skull. Dysfunction can involve the joint, the muscles, or both, and is often linked to clenching, grinding or stress.
What are the symptoms of TMJ problems?
Common symptoms are jaw pain, clicking or locking, and difficulty or discomfort opening the mouth.
- Pain around the jaw, cheek or ear
- Clicking, popping or locking of the jaw
- Difficulty or discomfort opening wide
- Headaches or neck tension
- Jaw muscle fatigue, especially with chewing
How is TMJ pain treated?
Most TMJ pain is treated conservatively, with jaw and neck exercises, manual therapy, and managing clenching, grinding and stress.
Addressing habits such as clenching, and treating related neck tension, are important. Dental input may be needed for grinding. Surgery is rarely required.
At Postura Wellness, care for jaw (TMJ) pain is built around OrthoRestore™ — our signature method that combines chiropractic and physiotherapy into one coordinated plan. Depending on your assessment, it can bring together chiropractic adjustments, dry needling, muscle manipulation, Active Release Technique, and targeted exercises, supported where helpful by technology such as shockwave therapy and bioelectric therapy. The aim is to relieve symptoms while addressing the underlying causes, with a plan tailored to you.
Get a clear plan for your temporomandibular disorder
Book an assessment at either branch and get a tailored plan.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified clinician about your individual condition.
Sources
- Neck Injuries and Disorders — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Health Topics — NIH National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- Bones, Joints and Muscles — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Muscle and Bone Diseases — NIH National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- Joint Disorders — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Orthopedic services — MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia