Causes of Jaw Pain and How to Treat It

Why Does My Jaw Hurt? 

Jaw pain can be a product of physical injuries, damage to muscles, nerves or blood vessels, and infections, among other possible causes. A common cause of jaw pain is issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The TMJ is a hinge-like joint near the front of your ears where your jaw connects to the skull. Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) cover a cluster of conditions affecting bones, joints, and the muscles associated with jaw movement.

What Are the Symptoms of TMJ Disorders?

Symptoms of TMJ disorders vary from person to person. The most prominent symptom of a TMJ disorder is pain, discomfort, and tenderness in and around the jaw. That being said, other symptoms can vary drastically from person to person. These include:

• Pain, discomfort, and tenderness in and around the jaw
• Facial pain
• Lockjaw, limiting your jaw’s range of motion
• Popping and clicking in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth
• Grinding or clenching
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking 
• Burning sensation in the mouth
• Sensitive teeth
• Headaches
• Tinnitus 
• Vertigo
• Impairment to hearing

Causes of TMD and Jaw Pain

There isn’t always a single root cause of jaw pain. It can arise from problems with the sinuses, ears, the jaw itself, or a combination of several factors. In the case of a TMJ disorder, determining what exactly is causing the problem is unfortunately not an easy task.  

Trauma or Injury 

A serious blow to the face can dislocate or break the jaw. Surprisingly, sometimes yawning too wide can dislocate your jaw.

Teeth Grinding

Bruxism is the tendency to clench and grind your teeth during the day or night, putting undue pressure on your jaw. You may not even be aware that you grind your teeth at night until symptoms start to arise. If this persists long term, it can develop into a TMJ disorder.

Stress and Anxiety

While the effects differ from person to person, several studies have demonstrated a link between jaw tension and anxiety levels. Similar to teeth grinding, this can put a burdensome amount of pressure on the jaw.    

Arthritis

Many types of arthritis can cause the smooth interface between the joints, and eventually the bones themselves, to wear away. This can result in pain in the jaw, among other areas.

Sinus Infections

Sinuses are air-filled cavities that sit near the TMJ. If they become infected, the excess build-up of mucus can create painful trigger points in and around the jaw.

Recovering from Dental Surgery

While painful, this typically will resolve itself with time.

Genetic Factors

Modern research has found that it may be the case that certain genes might predispose you to TMJ disorders. That said, research is still in its early stages. 

How Can I Treat Jaw Pain and TMD?

Immediate Relief from Jaw Pain

Apply Heat or Ice

Using heat or ice packs can provide short-term relief from jaw pain. Make sure you keep them covered with a cloth while in use.

You can make an ice pack at home by putting ice in a plastic bag and wrapping it in a thin cloth. Apply to the affected area for 10 minutes. You should wait at least another 10 minutes before you reapply 

For heat, run warm water over a washcloth, then apply it to the affected area. This will help relax overactive jaw muscles. You may need to run the cloth under water a few times to keep it warm.

Self-massage

Take two fingers and lightly apply pressure on the affected area. Then rub in a circular motion around 5 to 10 times. You can open or close your mouth to varying degrees to help find the point of pain/tension. 

As the TMJ can be particularly sensitive, take it slow and don’t push too hard. More pain doesn’t lead to more relief.

Long term Strategies for Jaw Pain

Jaw Exercises

Regularly exercising the jaw muscles improves strength and flexibility, while also making it easier to relax a tense jaw. Our physiotherapists can assess you, and devise an exercise plan that will specifically address your jaw pain and underlying issues, 

Jaw relaxation

1. Gently rest your tongue on the roof of your mouth
2. Relax your jaw muscles, allowing your teeth to gently separate
3. Open your mouth as wide as you feel comfortable

Chin tucking

1. Standing or sitting with a straight back with your shoulders falling back and down
2. Pull your chin back and then point it down towards the chest
3. Hold for about 3 seconds, repeating 10 times

Reduce Your Stress

Stress is a common cause of jaw clenching. Taking up activities such as yoga or medication can relieve worry and anxiety, and by extension jaw tension. Likewise, you should try and maintain a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a consistent sleep cycle.

If you are struggling to keep these persistent, exercising with a group of friends is a great way to stay motivated. Even if you aren’t currently experiencing jaw pain, these are all good ways to avoid it.

Pick Gentle Foods 

If jaw pain is an ongoing problem for you, try your best to avoid tough, crunchy, and chewy foods. The strain these will put on your jaw will contribute to the discomfort and pain you feel later on. Keep away from things like chewing gum, hard fruits and veggies, and meats like steak.

Skip the Morning Cup of Coffee

While coffee can give you a short-term boost, excessive use can be detrimental to your wellbeing. If you can’t live without it, at least skip your second cup of the day (or 3rd… or 4th). Caffeine can be a contributing factor to muscle tension.

Medical Treatment

If you grind your teeth at night, consider getting a night guard – this is a mouth guard worn while sleeping that reduces muscle activity and protects your teeth from being worn down. Although it may take some time to adjust to, you’ll appreciate the long-term benefits.

Thankfully surgery is unnecessary in the majority of cases of jaw pain, even those associated with TMJ disorders. The symptoms are usually temporary, and manageable with the methods covered so far. 

See a Physiotherapist to Explore Treatment Options

Our physiotherapists, conveniently located in the Adelaide CBD, have many treatment options at their disposal, developing a targeted approach to minimise your pain and discomfort.

Dry Needling

Our physiotherapists will directly target the trigger points causing you pain and discomfort. By identifying the knots throughout your face, jaw, and neck, we are able to provide target relief. Dry needling also makes it easier for the muscles to relax, which may also help mitigate many of the issues commonly associated with TMD. At City Physiotherapy, all physiotherapists have completed post-graduate dry needling training. Dry needling is a common treatment for TMD, so you can be assured you are in safe hands. Read more here about dry needling at City Physio Adelaide.  

Remedial Massage

Tailored precisely to a patient’s needs, this is a great way to relieve the physical symptoms of stress and sources of pain. Remedial massage therapy at City Physio seeks out and repairs damaged areas of the body, opening up the space that allows them to heal. Use the booking button below, or call our friendly reception, to book an appointment with our experienced and qualified massage therapists.

At City Physio Adelaide, we see patients of all ages, levels of ability, and fitness. If you have noticed pain in your lower back, upper legs, or glutes and hip area, do not hesitate to get in touch with one of our physios. We understand that sciatica can be a debilitating condition, so it is important to get treatment as soon as possible. We are committed to seeing you get back on track and will look after you during your journey to wellness. 

Enquire about our Back Pain Classes, or consult a physiotherapist to determine the best treatment options for you, by calling us or booking online through the booking button below.

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