How We Treat Jaw Pain

The jaw joint, also known as the temporomandibular (TMJ), acts like a sliding hinge that connects the jawbone to the skull. There is one of these joints on each side of the jaw. These joints play a role in your ability to talk, eat and sleep. TMJ pain is a condition of the jaw nerves and muscles, brought on due to inflammation or injury to the temporomandibular joint. Jaw pain might occur on one or both sides of the jaw, depending on the cause. This can dramatically affect your ability to chew and talk and may produce pain during rest.

The exact cause of TMJ disorder can be hard to determine. Pain can be due to a combination of factors like injury, genetics and arthritis. Some people who have TMJ pain might grind or clench their teeth at night or have a jaw misalignment. In some cases, discomfort and pain is temporary and can be handled with self-management and soft tissue treatment.

Symptoms of TMJ disorder

1. Locking of jaw and limited movement
2. Painful popping, clicking or grating sounds in the jaw joint
3. Aching pain in the face, neck or shoulders
4. Non-specific tooth pain
5. A sudden change in how the upper and lower rows of teeth fit together
6. Headaches, dizziness, earaches and trouble hearing

Management of TMJ disorder

We start your TMJ disorder treatment by understanding your symptoms and how they are impacting on your day-to-day life. We then carry out a full assessment of your jaw and neck mobility. Hands-on physiotherapy treatment in the affected areas may be required, as well as exercise prescription for strength and mobility.

We will discuss your personalised management plan, including diagnosis, treatment required and potential healing timeframes. This is all to help you achieve your set goals.

Conditions treated

• Functional misalignment of the jaw
• Pain and symptoms around the jaw that affect your daily life
• Headaches related to jaw pain
• Arthritic joints
• Damaged or impacted joints
• Chronic grinding or clenching

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, it’s best you see a physiotherapist before your condition worsens. Book online to find out how we can treat your jaw pain.