Jaw pain and clicking
Assessment and treatment for jaw pain, clicking and stiffness (TMJ).
Is your jaw giving you trouble?
- Do you get headaches?
- Is chewing uncomfortable or painful?
- Does your jaw click, pop or crackle when you open or close it?
- Is it hard to open your mouth fully when eating or yawning?
If you answered yes, you may have a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), often called a TMJ problem. These are very common.
What causes TMJ problems?
The jaw joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw to your skull, with a small disc between the two bones. Common causes of problems include:
- clenching or grinding your teeth
- dental work, such as extractions or implants
- your bite, posture or neck problems
- stress and habits such as nail biting
- a knock to the face, whiplash or a sports injury
- arthritis
Symptoms include clicking, popping, locking, pain when chewing, pain around the ears, temples or neck, toothache and headaches.
What if my jaw clicks but doesn't hurt?
Clicking usually means the disc inside the joint isn't moving smoothly. It is worth having it checked, because treating it early can help keep the joint working well.
How we treat it
Our physiotherapists are trained to assess and treat jaw problems. Depending on what we find, treatment may include gentle release techniques, joint mobilisation, exercises for your jaw, and treatment for your neck and posture. We can work with your dentist where needed.
Common questions
Should I see a dentist or a physio?
Both can help, and often work together. If your teeth or bite are involved, see your dentist. For jaw pain, clicking, stiffness and related headaches, a physio can assess and treat the joint and muscles.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book straight in. If your dentist has referred you, bring their letter.