TMJ Pain/Discomfort

 

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction refers to pain or restricted movement in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. It can affect chewing, speaking, yawning and may cause headaches, facial tension or neck pain. TMJ issues can stem from muscle imbalances, jaw clenching or grinding, poor posture or trauma.

 

While some cases are dental in origin (e.g., related to bite alignment or dental appliances), many are caused by muscular, joint or postural factors, which are areas that Chiropractic care can address (De Leeuw & Klasser, 2018; Schiffman et al., 2014). If a dental cause is suspected, we will refer you to the appropriate provider.

 

How TMJ Dysfunction Can Typically Present

1. Jaw Pain or Stiffness – Soreness in one or both sides of the jaw, especially when chewing, talking or yawning.

2. Clicking, Popping or Grinding Noises – Sounds during jaw movement, with or without pain.

3. Limited Opening or Jaw Locking – Feeling like the jaw catches or gets stuck.

4. Headaches or Facial Pain – Tension in the temples, cheeks or behind the eyes.

5. Neck & Shoulder Tension – Common muscular compensation due to jaw or postural issues.

 

Common Causes

• Jaw clenching or grinding (bruxism)

• Stress-related muscle tension

• Trauma to the jaw or face

• Prolonged mouth opening (e.g., dental work)

• Forward head posture or spinal misalignment

• Arthritis or joint inflammation
  (De Leeuw & Klasser, 2018; Schiffman et al., 2014)

 

How Chiropractic Can Help

If your TMJ symptoms are not caused by dental or bite problems, Chiropractic care can help manage pain and improve jaw function through:

• Manual Therapy – Gentle mobilisation of the TMJ and upper neck joints, plus soft tissue work to ease jaw, neck and shoulder tension (Gonzalez et al., 2019).

• Posture & Ergonomic Advice – Correcting forward head posture and reducing neck strain to ease jaw loading (Rosa et al., 2015).

• Jaw Exercises & Relaxation Strategies – Teaching safe, controlled jaw movement and stress-reduction techniques to prevent clenching.

• Collaborative Care – Referral to Dentists or GPs if symptoms persist or are dental in nature (Schiffman et al., 2014).

 

Research supports conservative manual therapy for TMJ symptoms related to muscle tightness, cervical dysfunction or posture.