TMJ pain
Jaw pain rarely stays just in the jaw. We look at your whole spine, because the joint that hurts usually isn’t the whole story.
What people usually describe
- Pain or tenderness around the jaw joint
- Clicking, popping or grating when you move your jaw
- A jaw that locks or is hard to open fully
- Headaches or ear pain that come with it
Not just the joint
Your jaw, spine, muscles and nervous system work together. Stress can increase clenching and muscle tension, while neck movement and daily habits may also contribute to jaw discomfort.
We assess your jaw and whole spine, then tailor care with hands-on treatment, soft tissue work and exercises to improve movement and coordination. Breathing, stress management and practical changes to everyday habits such as posture are part of the plan too.
What's usually behind it
Four patterns show up again and again in people dealing with jaw pain.
Stress, clenching and your nervous system
Stress can increase jaw muscle tension and sensitivity to pain. You may catch yourself clenching while concentrating or wake with a tired, aching jaw.
Mouth breathing
Do you often breathe through your mouth or wake with a dry mouth? We consider your breathing habits alongside jaw symptoms.
Dental work and tongue function
Orthodontic treatment moves teeth through the surrounding bone. We consider tongue position, jaw movement and tension around the palate as part of your assessment.
Neck and upper back posture
Poor posture through the neck and shoulders changes how your jaw sits and moves, and can make jaw symptoms worse.
How we'd approach it
The jaw is rarely the whole story. It is part of a wider system of muscles, fascia and movement that includes your spine, pelvic floor and feet.
At your first visitA comprehensive assessment of your whole spine, since issues with the jaw often come from the neck, upper back or lower back.
What treatment usually includesHands-on adjustment of the spine and jaw to improve range of motion, combined with soft tissue therapy and exercises for areas that have weakened.
Between visitsPractical advice on breathing, posture at work and when lifting, since day to day habits are often part of what’s keeping the pattern going.
One step at a time
A first visit starts with a proper look at your jaw and your whole spine, not just the joint that hurts. If we think this needs a different kind of care, we’ll say so.
