TMJ Pain & Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)

 

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw to your skull and allows movements such as opening your mouth, chewing, speaking and yawning.

 

Problems affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles are commonly referred to as temporomandibular disorders (TMD). TMD can cause jaw pain, stiffness, clicking or difficulty opening the mouth and may also be associated with headaches, facial pain and neck discomfort.

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Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

 

Symptoms can vary from person to person and may include:

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• Jaw pain or tenderness

• Clicking, popping or grinding sensations

• Difficulty or pain when opening the mouth

• Jaw stiffness or restricted movement

• Headaches or pain around the temples

• Facial or cheek pain

• Pain around the ear

• Jaw locking or catching

• Pain when chewing or biting

• Neck and shoulder discomfort

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Jaw clicking by itself does not always indicate a problem, particularly if there is no pain or restriction in movement.

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What Causes TMJ Pain?

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TMJ pain can have several contributing factors rather than one single cause.

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These may include:

• Jaw or facial injury

• Teeth grinding or jaw clenching

• Increased tension in the jaw muscles

• Repetitive or excessive chewing

• Changes in movement or function of the jaw joint

• Arthritis or other joint conditions

• Stress-related jaw tension

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For persistent symptoms, an assessment can help determine which factors may be contributing to your jaw pain.

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How Can Physiotherapy Help TMJ Pain?

 

Physiotherapy for TMJ pain focuses on improving jaw movement, reducing pain and muscle tension, and restoring normal function.

Depending on your assessment, physiotherapy treatment may include:

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• Gentle jaw mobility exercises

• Jaw control and coordination exercises

• Manual therapy

• Treatment of tight jaw and neck muscles

• Neck and upper-back exercises

• Education about jaw habits and positioning

• Advice on modifying aggravating activities

• An individualized home exercise program

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Treatment should be tailored to your symptoms rather than using the same exercises for every TMJ condition.

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Simple Tips for Managing TMJ Pain

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During a painful flare-up, temporarily reducing activities that aggravate your jaw may help.

Try to avoid excessive gum chewing, very hard or chewy foods and repeatedly opening your mouth very wide. You may also find it helpful to become aware of unnecessary jaw clenching or teeth grinding during the day.

Gentle jaw movement is usually preferable to completely avoiding movement.

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Should I Exercise My Jaw?

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Jaw exercises can be useful for some people with TMD, but the correct exercise depends on the cause of your symptoms.

Exercises may focus on mobility, coordination, control or strengthening. Performing inappropriate or excessive exercises can sometimes aggravate an already painful jaw.

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For this reason, if you have significant jaw pain, locking or restricted movement, it is best to have your jaw assessed before starting a strengthening program.

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When Should I Seek Professional Advice?

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Consider seeking an assessment if your jaw pain persists, repeatedly returns or affects eating, speaking, sleeping or normal daily activities.

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You should also seek professional advice if you experience significant restriction in opening your mouth, repeated jaw locking, symptoms following an injury, or persistent unexplained facial or jaw pain.

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Depending on the cause, management may involve your physiotherapist, dentist, GP or other healthcare professional.

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TMJ Physiotherapy in Castle Hill & Chatswood

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Our physiotherapists provide assessment and treatment for TMJ and jaw pain in Castle Hill and Chatswood.

We assess not only the jaw joint itself but also the surrounding muscles, neck movement and other factors that may be contributing to your symptoms.

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Your treatment program may include manual therapy, TMJ exercises, jaw mobility and control exercises, neck treatment and self-management advice, depending on your individual condition.

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Contact our Castle Hill or Chatswood physiotherapy clinic to book an assessment for TMJ or jaw pain.

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