Clicking when you chew, aching near your ear, a tight jaw when you wake up, or headaches that seem to start around your temples. Jaw problems can be surprisingly disruptive, affecting eating, talking, sleep and even concentration.
These symptoms are often grouped under the term temporomandibular disorders, commonly called TMD or simply "TMJ" problems. Many people are not sure who to see for them. Dentists play an important role, and osteopaths are among the allied health practitioners who may also be able to help. Here is how osteopathic care may fit in, and when other professionals should be involved.
What is the TMJ and what are TMD symptoms?
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, connects your lower jaw to your skull just in front of each ear. It is a complex joint that both hinges and glides, and it works with several muscles that control chewing and jaw movement.
Temporomandibular disorders describe a group of conditions affecting the jaw joint, the surrounding muscles, or both. Common symptoms include:
Pain or aching in the jaw, face, temple or in front of the ear
Clicking, popping or grating sounds when opening or chewing
Stiffness or a feeling that the jaw is "stuck" or does not open fully
Tiredness in the jaw muscles after chewing or talking
Headaches, often around the temples
Associated neck and shoulder tension
Clicking on its own, without pain or restricted movement, is common and often does not need treatment.
What causes jaw pain?
Jaw pain usually has more than one contributing factor. Clenching or grinding the teeth (bruxism), particularly at night or during stressful periods, is a common one. Others include posture and neck tension, chewing habits such as gum chewing, previous injury to the jaw, and changes within the joint itself.
Stress, poor sleep and anxiety are also strongly linked with jaw symptoms in research. This is why a broad approach that looks at lifestyle as well as the joint often makes sense.
How might an osteopath help with jaw pain?
Osteopaths are registered allied health practitioners who assess and treat the muscles, joints and connective tissues of the body. For jaw problems, an osteopath will usually start by asking about your symptoms, habits and health history, then assess how your jaw opens and moves, along with your neck, upper back and posture.
Depending on what they find, treatment may include:
Gentle soft tissue techniques for the jaw, face and neck muscles
Gentle joint mobilisation of the jaw and neck where appropriate
Jaw exercises to improve control and comfort when opening and closing
Advice on habits such as clenching, chewing and resting jaw position
Strategies for posture, desk setup and managing neck tension
Research suggests that manual therapy combined with exercise may help reduce pain and improve jaw movement for some people with muscle-related TMD. Results vary, and care is usually most useful when it is combined with self-management and, where needed, input from other practitioners.
Why does the neck matter for jaw pain?
The jaw and neck are closely linked through shared muscles and nerves. Tension in the neck and upper shoulders, or a forward head posture during long hours at a desk, may contribute to jaw discomfort for some people. Similarly, jaw tension is often associated with headaches.
That is why an osteopath will often look beyond the jaw itself. You can read more on our pages about neck pain and tension and headaches and migraines.
Who else might be involved in your care?
Jaw pain often benefits from a team approach. Your dentist can check your teeth and bite, look for signs of grinding and discuss whether a night splint might be suitable. Your GP can help rule out other causes and discuss medication options.
Because stress and anxiety can play a role in clenching, some people also find it helpful to work with a psychologist on stress management or sleep. At The Good Joint, osteopaths, physiotherapists, psychologists and other practitioners work under one roof, which can make it easier to coordinate care.
When should you see a GP, dentist or seek urgent care?
Most jaw pain is not serious, but some symptoms need prompt medical or dental attention:
Jaw locked open or closed and you cannot move it
Jaw pain after a significant blow to the face, or a suspected fracture
Swelling of the face or jaw, fever, or tooth pain that may suggest infection
Jaw pain with chest pain, shortness of breath or sweating, which can be a sign of a heart problem (call 000)
Jaw or temple pain with scalp tenderness, vision changes or pain when chewing in people over 50, which needs urgent GP review
A sudden, severe headache
What can you do at home to ease jaw pain?
Small daily changes can take some load off a sore jaw while you work out what is driving it. Many people find these simple steps helpful during a flare up:
- Rest the jaw in a relaxed position, with lips together, teeth slightly apart and tongue resting gently on the roof of the mouth
- Choose softer foods for a few days and cut food into smaller pieces
- Avoid chewing gum, biting nails or chewing on pens
- Support your chin when you yawn so the jaw does not open too wide
- Use a warm compress on tight jaw and face muscles for 10 to 15 minutes
- Set a reminder to check for daytime clenching, especially while driving or working at a screen
If your jaw tension seems to build during long days at a desk, our posture and desk pain page has ideas for setting up your workstation. If symptoms persist for more than a couple of weeks, or keep returning, an assessment can help guide your next steps.
Frequently asked questions
Will jaw clicking go away with treatment?
Clicking on its own is very common and is often painless and harmless. Treatment usually focuses on pain, movement and function rather than stopping every click. Some people notice changes in clicking, while others find it stays but no longer bothers them.
Does osteopathic treatment for the jaw involve working inside the mouth?
Most treatment is done externally on the jaw, face and neck. Some techniques may involve gloved intraoral work, but your osteopath will always explain what they suggest and ask for your consent first. You can say no to any technique.
How long is an osteopathy appointment?
At The Good Joint, an initial osteopathy appointment is 45 minutes and follow-up appointments are 30 minutes. No referral is needed.
Getting help on the Gold Coast
If jaw pain, clicking or clenching is affecting your day, the osteopaths at The Good Joint in Mermaid Beach can assess your jaw, neck and posture and talk through a plan with you. Find out more on our jaw pain page or book online.
Related reading: Can a chiropractor help with tension headaches? and What does an osteopath do?
