Causes of Jaw Pain

While up to a quarter of all adults in Australia live with some form of jaw pain, treatment and the causes of the pain are often overlooked.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts as a hinge and connects the jaw (mandible) to the skull. It is one of the most used joints in the body, which is why TMJ disorders and jaw pain are quite common.  

 

Keep reading to find out about some of the most common causes of jaw pain and what you can do to find relief.




Common Causes of TMJ Dysfunction 


TMJ dysfunction contributes to jaw pain, joint stiffness, difficulty chewing and clicking and locking of the jaw joint.   


Common causes of a TMJ disorder orTMJ dysfunction: 

  • Arthritis including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis

  • Joint erosion 

  • The joint is damaged or is misaligned

  • Existing injury or trauma including a broken or dislocated jaw

  • Myofascial pain

  • Tight muscles

  • Grinding or clenching of the teeth

  • Structural jaw problems present at birth

  • Occlusal problems such as an overbite or overbite 


Jaw problems or TMJ disorders can cause pain in various parts of your body and the intensity of the pain can vary. 


Some common symptoms include:

  • Pain when chewing or talking 

  • Difficulty chewing

  • Decreased motion or stiffness 

  • Clicking or popping in the jaw

  • Locked jaw

  • Headaches and earaches


Chiropractic Care for Jaw Pain


A TMJ chiropractor will typically conduct a medical assessment to determine the source of your jaw pain. Depending on the cause of your TMJ disorder or jaw pain, the chiropractor may perform adjustments to improve the jaw function and reduce pain in their patients.


Chiropractors may also assess a patient's posture to determine if poor posture is causing jaw pain. 


Jaw pain can be debilitating to experience, understanding the source of your discomfort will allow you to receive the appropriate treatment.

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