Jaw Pain
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Individualised Care
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Whole-Body Approach
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Long-Term Results
Jaw Pain & TMJ Treatment in Epping
Our multidisciplinary team provides jaw pain and TMJ treatment to patients across Epping, South Morang, Wollert, Mill Park, Donnybrook and surrounding suburbs. Whether your symptoms involve jaw tension, clicking, locking, teeth grinding or pain around the face and neck, we focus on identifying the structures and contributing factors involved before developing an individual treatment plan.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the lower jaw to the skull and allows the jaw to open, close and move during chewing, speaking and other everyday activities. Jaw pain may arise from the joint itself or from the muscles and surrounding structures that control jaw movement.
At Muscle Joint Bone, assessment can consider your jaw movement, muscle tension, joint function, neck mobility and lifestyle factors to help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms.
What is Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder?
Temporomandibular joint disorder, often referred to as TMJ disorder or TMD, is a broad term used for pain or dysfunction involving the jaw joint and the muscles surrounding it. The current MJB page groups TMJ problems into muscle pain and dysfunction, internal joint derangement and degenerative joint disease.
Symptoms can vary considerably. Some people experience a dull ache around the jaw or face, while others notice clicking, popping, locking or difficulty opening the mouth fully. Pain may also extend into the face or neck.
Because several different structures can contribute to similar symptoms, assessment is important for determining which factors may be involved.
What’s Causing Your Jaw Pain?
Jaw pain can develop from muscle tension, clenching, joint dysfunction, altered jaw movement or injury. Identifying the factors contributing to your symptoms helps guide a more targeted treatment approach.
Jaw Muscle Tension
The muscles responsible for chewing can become tight, sensitive or overworked, contributing to aching through the jaw, cheek, temples and surrounding facial muscles.
Teeth Grinding & Clenching
Repeated clenching or grinding can place increased load through the jaw muscles and TMJ, particularly during sleep or periods of concentration and stress.
TMJ Joint Dysfunction
Problems involving the jaw joint itself may contribute to pain, clicking, popping, catching or locking when opening and closing the mouth.
Jaw Mobility
Restricted or excessive jaw movement can place additional stress through the TMJ and surrounding muscles, affecting how comfortably the jaw opens, closes and moves.
Injury & Trauma
A direct impact to the jaw, face or surrounding area can irritate the TMJ and associated soft tissues, potentially resulting in pain, stiffness or altered jaw movement.
Stress & Muscle Tension
Stress may increase jaw clenching and muscle activity, contributing to tension and discomfort around the jaw, face, temples, head or neck.
Not sure what’s causing your jaw pain? Book an assessment so our team can examine your jaw movement, joint function, muscle tension, neck mobility and contributing lifestyle factors.
Book an AssessmentJAW PAIN ASSESSMENT & TREATMENT
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEEK TREATMENT FOR JAW PAIN?
Occasional jaw tension may settle, but persistent or recurring symptoms should be assessed when they begin affecting eating, speaking, sleeping or normal jaw movement.
Common signs you should seek assessment include:
- Jaw pain that persists or repeatedly returns
- Pain when chewing, biting or opening your mouth
- Clicking or popping associated with discomfort
- Jaw locking or catching
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Aching through the jaw, face or temples
- Jaw tension associated with clenching or grinding
- Symptoms extending into the neck or face
The existing MJB page specifically notes dull aching, facial or neck referral, painful clicking, locking, popping and reduced opening range among common TMJ symptoms.
If jaw pain is affecting everyday function, our team can assess the joint, surrounding muscles and movement patterns before developing a personalised treatment approach.
A CLOSER LOOK AT YOUR SYMPTOMS
COMMON JAW PAIN & TMJ SYMPTOMS
JAW ACHING
A dull or persistent ache may be felt around the jaw joint, cheek or chewing muscles and may become more noticeable after eating, talking or clenching.
CLICKING & POPPING
Clicking or popping may occur when opening or closing the mouth. When associated with pain or restricted movement, it may indicate irritation or altered mechanics within the joint.
JAW LOCKING
The jaw may temporarily catch or lock during opening or closing, making normal jaw movement difficult or uncomfortable.
LIMITED MOUTH OPENING
TMJ problems may reduce jaw range of motion and make it difficult to open the mouth fully.
FACIAL & TEMPLE PAIN
Jaw muscle tension may contribute to discomfort through the cheeks, temples and surrounding facial muscles.
NECK & JAW TENSION
Jaw symptoms may occur alongside neck discomfort or tension, particularly when several surrounding muscle groups are involved.
Our Treatment Approach
Treatment begins with assessing the cause of your jaw pain rather than simply treating the painful area. Depending on your presentation, treatment may aim to improve jaw mobility, reduce muscle tension and address contributing movement or lifestyle factors.
Depending on the cause of your jaw pain, treatment may include:
- Hands-on soft tissue treatment
- Jaw joint mobilisation
- Dry needling where appropriate
- Massage
- Stretching
- Heat therapy
- Friction massage
- Pressure-based soft tissue techniques
- Temporary modification of aggravating jaw activity
- Jaw mobility exercises
- Advice around clenching and jaw use
Because jaw pain can involve both the joint and surrounding musculoskeletal structures, treatment is tailored to the findings from your assessment.
TMJ Pain Treatment
MORE THAN JAW PAIN RELIEF. IMPROVE HOW YOUR JAW MOVES.
WHY CHOOSE MUSCLE JOINT BONE
Jaw pain may involve a combination of joint mechanics, muscle tension, neck function, clenching habits and lifestyle factors. Our approach looks beyond the painful area to understand the factors contributing to your symptoms.
IDENTIFY THE CAUSE. NOT JUST THE PAIN.
Effective treatment starts with understanding why your jaw hurts. We assess jaw movement, joint function, muscle tension and associated neck movement to determine which factors may be contributing to your symptoms.
ONE TEAM. MULTIPLE DISCIPLINES.
Muscle Joint Bone provides access to a multidisciplinary allied-health team, including Osteopaths, Chiropractors and Physiotherapists. The existing jaw pain page specifically identifies these disciplines as part of the clinic’s approach.
IMPROVE FUNCTION. NOT JUST SHORT-TERM RELIEF.
Treatment is designed around restoring more comfortable jaw movement and reducing the factors that repeatedly aggravate symptoms. Whether your issue affects eating, speaking, sleep or everyday comfort, your plan is based on how your jaw needs to function.