TMJ Pain and Jaw Problems: Can Chiropractic Care Help?

Jaw pain, clicking or popping when you eat, headaches around your temples, or difficulty opening your mouth can be uncomfortable and frustrating.

These symptoms may be associated with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) — the joints located on either side of your face that connect your jawbone to your skull.

If you’re experiencing TMJ pain, jaw discomfort or tension, you may be wondering what could be causing your symptoms and whether seeing a chiropractor could be appropriate.

While TMJ problems can have a number of contributing factors, chiropractic care may be suitable for some people as part of a broader approach to managing musculoskeletal symptoms.

What is the TMJ?

The temporomandibular joints are located just in front of your ears and connect your lower jaw to your skull.

These joints work together with the muscles of your jaw, face and neck to help you talk, chew, yawn and move your jaw.

Because the jaw, neck and upper body are connected through muscles, joints and movement patterns, it can be useful to consider the surrounding areas when assessing jaw-related symptoms.

What are the symptoms of TMJ problems?

TMJ symptoms can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms include:

• Jaw pain or tenderness

• Clicking, popping or grinding when moving the jaw

• Jaw stiffness

• Difficulty or discomfort when opening the mouth

• Pain around the jaw, face or ears

• Headaches around the temples

• Tight or tender jaw muscles

• Neck discomfort

• Changes in the way the teeth come together

Not everyone who experiences jaw clicking has a TMJ disorder, and clicking without pain is relatively common.

However, persistent jaw pain, restricted movement or symptoms that are getting worse should be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional.

What can cause TMJ pain?

There are many possible contributing factors associated with TMJ pain and jaw discomfort.

Jaw clenching and teeth grinding

Some people clench their jaw during the day or grind their teeth while sleeping. This can place additional stress on the jaw and surrounding muscles.

Stress and muscle tension

Stress can contribute to increased muscle tension and may cause some people to unconsciously clench their jaw.

Neck and upper body movement

The jaw, neck and upper body work together during many everyday activities. Changes in movement or muscle tension in the surrounding areas may therefore be considered when assessing someone with jaw-related symptoms.

Injury

An injury involving the jaw, face or neck may affect movement and contribute to discomfort.

Dental and oral health factors

Some jaw symptoms may be related to dental or oral health concerns. A dentist may therefore be an important part of assessing and managing some TMJ problems.

Because there are many possible contributing factors, TMJ treatment is not one-size-fits-all.

Can a chiropractor help with TMJ pain?

If you’re experiencing TMJ pain, you may be wondering whether a TMJ chiropractor could help.

A chiropractor may assess the movement and function of the musculoskeletal system, including the neck, upper back and surrounding muscles and joints.

Depending on the individual’s presentation, chiropractic care may involve manual therapy, mobilisation or other appropriate techniques designed to support movement and manage musculoskeletal discomfort.

For someone experiencing jaw-related symptoms, an assessment may consider the relationship between the jaw, neck and upper body rather than focusing on the jaw alone.

Chiropractic care does not necessarily treat the TMJ itself. Instead, a chiropractor can assess the broader musculoskeletal picture and determine whether chiropractic care may be appropriate as part of an individual’s management plan.

What does a chiropractic assessment for jaw pain involve?

If you visit a chiropractor with jaw-related symptoms, your chiropractor may ask about your symptoms, medical history and daily activities before performing an appropriate physical assessment.

This may include looking at movement and function around the:

• Jaw

• Neck

• Upper back

• Shoulders

• Surrounding muscles and joints

Your chiropractor can then discuss their findings with you and explain whether chiropractic care may be appropriate.

Where another healthcare professional is better suited to your needs, you may be advised to seek further assessment from your dentist, GP, physiotherapist or another appropriate healthcare professional.

Can TMJ problems cause headaches or neck pain?

Jaw problems don’t always feel like they’re coming from the jaw.

Some people with jaw-related symptoms may also experience discomfort around the temples, face, ears or neck.

Because the jaw, neck and upper body are closely connected through muscles and joints, a healthcare professional assessing jaw symptoms may consider these areas as part of the overall assessment.

If you’re experiencing ongoing headaches, neck pain or jaw discomfort, an appropriate healthcare professional can help determine whether further assessment is needed.

When should you see a healthcare professional about jaw pain?

Consider seeking professional advice if you experience:

• Persistent or worsening jaw pain

• Significant difficulty opening or closing your mouth

• Jaw symptoms following an injury

• Significant swelling

• Ongoing headaches or facial pain associated with jaw symptoms

• Symptoms that are interfering with eating, speaking or everyday activities

Some TMJ symptoms may require assessment by a dentist or medical practitioner, particularly where dental, structural or other non-musculoskeletal factors may be involved.

In some cases, different healthcare professionals may work together as part of your care.

TMJ pain treatment in Gippsland

If you’re experiencing TMJ pain in Gippsland, McMillan Allied Health Care provides chiropractic and allied health services across Sale, Traralgon and Bairnsdale.

Our chiropractors can assess your individual presentation and consider whether factors involving the neck, upper back or surrounding musculoskeletal structures may be relevant to your symptoms.

If you’re looking for a TMJ chiropractor in Sale, Traralgon or Bairnsdale, you can contact your nearest McMillan Allied Health Care clinic to arrange an assessment.

Chiropractic care may not be appropriate for every cause of jaw pain. Your chiropractor will discuss your individual presentation with you and, where appropriate, recommend further assessment or referral to another healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Pain

Can a chiropractor help with TMJ pain?

A chiropractor may be able to assess the musculoskeletal factors that could be relevant to your jaw-related symptoms, including the neck, upper back and surrounding muscles and joints. Depending on your individual presentation, chiropractic care may form part of a broader approach to managing your symptoms.

What is the best treatment for TMJ pain?

There is no single treatment that is appropriate for every person with TMJ pain. The most suitable approach depends on the cause and nature of your symptoms. Assessment by an appropriate healthcare professional can help determine what may be suitable for you.

Should I see a dentist or chiropractor for jaw pain?

This depends on your symptoms and their possible cause. A dentist may be appropriate when dental or oral health factors are involved, while a chiropractor may assess musculoskeletal factors involving the jaw, neck and upper body. In some circumstances, you may benefit from assessment by more than one healthcare professional.

Can TMJ problems cause headaches?

Some people with jaw-related problems also experience headaches around the temples or face. If you are experiencing ongoing headaches alongside jaw pain or other symptoms, it is worth discussing these symptoms with an appropriate healthcare professional.

Can TMJ pain cause neck pain?

Jaw, neck and upper body muscles and joints work together, so some people experience jaw symptoms alongside neck discomfort. A healthcare professional can assess your individual symptoms and determine whether further investigation or care may be appropriate.

Where can I find a TMJ chiropractor in Gippsland?

McMillan Allied Health Care has chiropractic clinics in Sale, Traralgon and Bairnsdale. If you’re experiencing TMJ pain, jaw discomfort or associated neck symptoms, you can contact your nearest clinic to arrange an assessment.