Jaw pain and clicking: Understanding TMJ problems and what to do about them
Have you ever noticed your jaw “clicks” when you open your mouth or chew your food? You’re not alone! Although it can be quite disconcerting, jaw “clicking” is actually quite common and most of the time if it doesn’t cause you discomfort or pain, then it’s not something you need to worry about.
Jaw clicking and pain are common symptoms linked to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) – the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. In many cases, clicking without pain isn’t a cause for concern. But if it becomes frequent, painful, or affects your ability to eat or speak, it may indicate TMJ dysfunction.
What is the TMJ?
Your jaw joint, called the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), is the articulation between the condyle of the mandible (jaw) and the mandibular fossa of the temporal bone (skull).
Between these two bones sits a small disc, a bit like a cushion, that helps your jaw move smoothly when you talk, eat or yawn.
The disc is supported by muscles at the front and stretchy tissue at the back, which help guide it as your jaw opens and closes.
What is that click you can hear?
Normally, when you open your mouth, the jaw bone rotates and then slides forward. At the same time, a muscle at the front of the joint pulls the disc into place so it cushions smoothly between the bones. When you close your mouth, the muscle relaxes and stretchy tissue at the back helps pull the disc back again.
If that muscle becomes tight from clenching, grinding, or holding your mouth open for a long time (like during dental work), the disc can sit slightly out of place when your jaw is resting. As you open your mouth, the disc snaps back into position, creating the “click” you hear. When you close your mouth, it slips forward again, and the jaw often shifts a little to the affected side.
Causes of TMJ dysfunction
TMJ problems can arise from a number of factors, including:
Teeth grinding or clenching
Stress and muscle tension
Previous dental procedures or trauma
Prolonged mouth opening (e.g. during dental work)
Poor posture, especially forward head posture at a desk
Habits like nail biting or gum chewing
Arthritis, muscle imbalance, or neural involvement.
How can Physiotherapy help with jaw pain and TMJ?
There are several musculoskeletal conditions of the jaw that Physiotherapy can help to treat. These include disc dysfunction, hypo or hypermobility of the TMJ, capsulitis, trigeminal or facial neuralgia, arthritis, lock jaw and many more.
TMJ conditions may present with pain, locking, clicking or inability to eat certain foods. Sometimes jaw pain can be associated with neck pain or headaches.
Physiotherapists can help ease jaw pain using a combination of the following techniques:
Hands-on treatment to release tight muscles and loosen stiff joints
Dry needling or acupuncture to calm pain and tension
Advice on posture, desk set-up and habits that make things worse
Gentle jaw, neck and shoulder exercises
Taping or reminders to stop clenching
We also look at lifestyle factors like stress, diet and daily habits, to help you recover and stop problems coming back.
What can you do at home to help?
Home strategies vary from person to person and therefore we recommend a Physiotherapy assessment prior to commencing any of these activities.
Gentle massage: Massage around the temples, facial and neck muscles can help to relax tension in the muscles.
Heat: A warm hot-pack placed on the side of the face for 10 minutes at a time, every couple of hours can also help with relaxation of the jaw.
Jaw positioning: Keeping the teeth slightly open, lips together, tongue on roof of mouth and breathing through the nose is the relaxed position of the jaw. At rest, try and adopt this position as much as possible to stop you clenching.
Posture: Avoid prolonged neck postures, particularly looking up (e.g. when painting or shaving). Address or modify activities or positions that cause your TMJ pain.
Avoid chewy foods: Eating a soft diet for a short period if the clicking is causing you pain may be helpful in reducing irritation around the jaw.
Ergonomics: Sit against the back of your chair and avoid slouching. Position the top of the PC or laptop just below eye level to have optimal neck posture. Have your feet on the ground. If they do not touch the ground, use a book, box or preferably a slanted foot stool.
Stress management: Breathing exercises, relaxation or walking can help reduce clenching.
Book An Appointment
If jaw pain or clicking is interfering with your daily life, book an appointment with one of our Physiotherapists. We’re here to help.
To make a booking, phone 07 5337 9853.
