TMJ Dysfunction
TMJ pain can affect more than just your jaw. It can lead to headaches, facial pain, neck tension, and difficulty with everyday activities like chewing or speaking. Whether your symptoms developed suddenly or have gradually worsened over time, early treatment can help prevent ongoing discomfort.
What Is TMJ Dysfunction?
TMJ pain refers to discomfort or dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to your skull. This joint plays a key role in speaking, chewing, yawning, and facial movement.
TMJ issues can develop due to joint irritation, muscle tension, or movement dysfunction and may be influenced by posture, stress, teeth clenching, or injury. Because the jaw works closely with the neck and upper spine, TMJ pain often occurs alongside headaches or neck discomfort.
Causes of TMJ Dysfunction
TMJ pain can develop for a variety of reasons, including:
- Jaw clenching or teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Stress-related muscle tension
- Poor posture, especially forward head posture
- Jaw or facical trauma
- Neck or upper spine dysfunction
- Arthritis or joint degeneration
Our team focuses on identifying the underlying cause of your TMJ symptoms to ensure treatment is effective and long-lasting.
Common TMJ Dysfunction
You may benefit from TMJ treatment if you’re experiencing:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking, popping, or grinding in the jaw
- Headaches or facial pain
- Difficulty or discomfort with chewing or opening the mouth
- Jaw stiffness or limited range of motion
- Neck or shoulder tension associated with jaw pain
How We Treat TMJ Dysfunction
Physiotherapy plays a key role in TMJ recovery and may include:
- Comprehensive TMJ and postural assessment
- Manual therapy to the jaw, neck, and upper spine
- Jaw mobility and control exercises
- Postural correction and ergonomic guidance
- Education on jaw habits and symptom management
Chiropractic care may help address joint and alignment-related contributors to TMJ pain, including:
- Assessment of the jaw, cervical spine, and upper back
- Gentle joint mobilization or manipulation (when appropriate)
- Improving movement patterns and posture
Massage therapy supports TMJ recovery by addressing muscle tension and soft tissue restrictions:
- Reducing tightness in the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders
- Improving circulation and tissue mobility
- Supporting pain relief and relaxation
All treatments are customized to your symptoms, goals, and activity level, and coordinated across our team when appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
Can TMJ cause ear pain?
TMJ doesn’t generally cause ear pain per se, but pain caused by irritation of the TMJ can refer around the ear.
Does TMJ dysfunction last forever?
Most individuals with TMJ disorder will experience symptoms from time to time. However, it is treatable with the help of a physiotherapist or a chiropractor the symptoms may be reduced.
What happens if TMJ is left untreated?
TMJ disorders usually go away after a few days or weeks . But it is likely that those who do not undergo treatment for their case of TMJ will experience more persistent symptoms over time.