Chiropractic Care
for Jaw Pain
The daily tension you hold in your jaw from grinding your teeth at night, clenching throughout a stressful day or pain when eating something chewy isn’t normal. It isn’t something you “just” have to live with, it is something that can be treated when we discover the why.
Jaw pain is more common than most people realise and it can affect EVERYTHING. From eating and talking, to sleeping and concentrating. The Temporomandibular Joint or TMJ, is one of the most used joints in the body. Alongside the muscles of mastication (temporalis, masseter, medial & lateral pterygoids) this joint is responsible for opening and closing the mouth, side to side deviation, protrusion and retraction which allows you do alot of things like talking and taking a bit of that big burger.
However, we know that when the TMJ isn’t moving well, the effects can spread to neighbouring areas like your neck (almost 70% of people experience neck pain in conjunction with TMJ disorders), shoulders and face, it’s not often that we see a jaw problem in isolation.
At Refined Chiropractic, we treat the jaw as part of a bigger picture, addressing the root cause rather than just the sore spot.
Signs you might have a TMJ problem
- Clicking, popping or grinding when you open or close your mouth
- Jaw stiffness or a feeling that it “locks” or catches
- Pain around the jaw or temple
- Fullness in the ear or pain around the ear
- Headaches, especially around the temples
- Discomfort when chewing
- Tension that spreads into the neck and shoulders
What causes Jaw Pain?
TMJ problems usually come from a combination of factors rather than one cause. Clenching and grinding (often during sleep or periods of high stress), poor posture, and tension in the neck can all add extra load on the jaw. Even poor habits like chewing gum regularly or biting your nails can be a factor that impacts the tension and pain being stored in your jaw.
Due to the close proximity of the jaw, neck and shoulder region, treating one area without the other often misses the mark, hence why we use comprehensive treatment methods to get you the results that will actually last.
Want to dive in deeper? Visit our blog Understanding Jaw Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
How we treat Jaw Pain
Your first visit starts with a thorough assessment of your jaw, neck and posture. From there, your care may include:
- Gentle adjustments to restore movement in the jaw and upper neck
- Soft tissue work to release tight muscles around the jaw and face
- Dry needling to ease stubborn tension
- Simple exercises and advice to reduce clenching
Common questions about jaw pain treatment
How long does it take to see results? Everyone is different, however we find most jaw issues to be chronic in nature. As it has been building up in the background for some time, it can take time to get results.
Is chiropractic care safe for jaw pain? Yes, we utilise a wide range of techniques. This can be manual adjustments, activator or impulse adjustments, soft tissue release and dry needling all depending on the individual and their preferences.
Book an Appointment
If jaw pain, clicking or tension is wearing you down, we’re here to help. Book a consultation at our Yokine clinic today, or call us on (08) 6285 0243.