What we treat: Jaw Pain
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ/jaw joint) acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull, with one joint on each side of your jaw. These joints play a role in your ability to eat, sleep and talk. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain describes a disorder of the jaw muscles and nerves caused by injury or inflammation to the temporomandibular joint.
The exact cause of TMJ disorder is often difficult to determine. Your pain may be due to a combination of factors, such as genetics, arthritis or jaw injury. Some people who have jaw pain also tend to clench or grind their teeth or have a jaw misalignment.
In some cases, the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders is temporary and can be relieved with self-managed care and soft tissue treatments.
COMMON PRESENTATIONS FOR JAW PAIN
The temporomandibular joints are complex structures containing muscles, tendons, ligaments, an articular disc, joint capsule and bones. Injury to or disorders of these structures can all result in pain in the jaw area. Jaw pain may occur on one side or on both sides, depending upon the cause and can heavily impact your life affecting things like talking, chewing or producing pain at rest.
Other likely symptoms include:
- Limited movement or locking of the jaw
- Radiating or achy pain in the face, neck or shoulders
- Painful clicking, popping or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth
- A sudden, major change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together
- Non-specific tooth pain
- Symptoms such as headaches, earaches, dizziness and hearing problems can also be related to TMJ disorder
HOW WE MANAGE JAW PAIN
- We take a full history to understand your symptoms and how they are affecting your life
- Full clinical assessment analysing your jaw and neck mobility
- Hands on treatment to the affected areas if clinically indicated
- Exercise prescription for mobility and strength if indicated
- Management plan discussed in detail including diagnosis, healing time frames and treatment required, all to achieve the goals important to you
CONDITIONS WE TREAT
- Any kind of pain or symptoms around the jaw affecting your day-to-day life, gradual onset or acute
- Functional misalignment of the jaw
- Arthritic joints
- A jaw joint that has been damaged by a blow or other impact
- Headaches/migraines relating to jaw pain
- Locked jaw
- Chronic clenching or grinding
Book a free 15min Online Video consultation if you’d like to know how we can help your jaw pain.
Written by Myotherapist, Monique Mack
