Jaw pain or disorders

How does physical therapy help relieve jaw pain?

Physical therapy can relieve jaw pain through manual techniques, exercises, and advice tailored to your activities.¹ The evaluation looks for problems with the joints, muscles, nerves, or neck that may be contributing to your symptoms. Your jaw consists of two joints, located in front of your ears. These joints allow the lower jaw to move so you can eat and speak. Problems in this area can affect the joints or the muscles used for chewing.² The following sections explain the symptoms, evaluation, and possible treatments.

Symptoms of a jaw disorder are common. A review published in 2013 reports that up to 25% of the population experiences them.³ This figure refers to symptoms; it does not mean that all of these people require treatment.

What are the causes of jaw pain?

Jaw pain can stem from the jaw muscles, the jaw joints, a dental problem, or a condition affecting a nearby area, such as the neck.^{2, 4} The exact cause is not always clear. The evaluation also looks for nerve irritation when symptoms suggest it. The following factors may accompany the problem or help guide treatment:³

• Strain or overuse of the muscles used for chewing
• Difficulty controlling jaw movements
• Difficulty keeping the jaw steady during certain movements
• A neck problem that may contribute to jaw pain
• Jaw stiffness
• Irritation of a nerve in the jaw or neck

Several factors may be at play. Your healthcare provider will ask you, in particular, whether your symptoms began or worsened in the following situations:

• Keeping your mouth open for a long time (e.g., at the dentist)
• Chewing gum frequently, biting your nails, clenching or grinding your teeth. Clenching and grinding are symptoms of bruxism, which can occur while sleeping or while awake.
• Having been struck or having fallen in a way that affected the jaw or head
• Having had surgery in the jaw area
• Straining the neck more than usual

What are the symptoms of a jaw disorder?

A jaw disorder can cause pain in the jaw, near the ear, or in the temple, as well as difficulty opening the mouth. The pain may worsen when you chew or speak. Noises, locking of the jaw, neck pain, or headaches may also be present.²

What are the main symptoms to watch for?

• Pain in the jaw, ear, or temple
  
  • Some people report feeling like their ear is blocked
• Pain may increase with jaw movement. For example:
  
  • Opening your mouth to eat, bite, or chew food
  • Yawn
  • Talking loudly or for a long time
  • Kissing with your mouth wide open
  • Clenching your teeth
• There may be clicking or other noises in the jaw when opening the mouth
• Some people report episodes of jaw locking or a feeling of jaw instability
• This is often accompanied by pain in the neck or at the base of the skull
• Headaches may also accompany the symptoms

The neck can also be a target area for treatment. In a trial involving 61 women with a jaw disorder, upper neck movements performed by the therapist and neck exercises reduced facial pain after five weeks. The impact of headaches on daily life also decreased compared to no treatment. However, the study did not find any improvement in the ability to use the jaw during activities.⁵

Ear symptoms, such as tinnitus—a ringing or whistling sound heard without an external source—may accompany a jaw disorder. A review of studies found a strong association between these two conditions. This association does not prove that one causes the other.⁶ Painless jaw noises are common and generally do not require treatment.²

How is a jaw disorder diagnosed?

The diagnosis of a jaw disorder is based on the patient’s history of symptoms and an examination of movement, sensitivity, and the muscles in the area. Your physical therapist will evaluate your jaw, neck, and the head, jaw, and face region. Depending on the signs observed, a dentist or doctor may investigate other causes, particularly dental ones. Imaging tests may be helpful in some cases, depending on the situation.²

When should you see a physiotherapist for a jaw problem?

A physical therapy consultation is recommended when jaw pain or stiffness persists, or interferes with activities such as eating, speaking, or yawning. An isolated, painless clicking sound is generally not sufficient to warrant treatment.²

Your physical therapist can assess these issues and refer you to a doctor or dentist if your symptoms suggest another problem. Several professionals can contribute to your care.⁴

In a private clinic in Quebec, you can see a physical therapist without a doctor’s prescription. However, some insurance plans require a prescription to cover the cost of treatment.⁷

For mild or moderate jaw disorders, treatment generally begins with non-surgical methods: manual techniques, exercises, and advice. A 2018 review reports that this approach typically yields satisfactory results.⁴ Surgery may be considered in certain severe cases, following a specialized evaluation.²

What symptoms require immediate medical or dental attention?

A locked jaw that prevents you from eating or drinking requires urgent evaluation. Significant difficulty opening your mouth—whether it occurs suddenly or worsens over time—also requires prompt medical attention.^{8, 9}

Jaw pain accompanied by a fever should be evaluated promptly, even if there is no swelling. A sudden loss of vision or hearing also requires urgent evaluation. Jaw pain that feels like a cramp when you chew also warrants prompt medical attention, even if there are no vision problems.⁹ These symptoms should not wait for a routine physical therapy appointment.

What physiotherapy treatments are available for jaw problems?

Physical therapy treatment combines manual techniques, tailored exercises, and advice to facilitate jaw movement and function. Manual techniques use the hands to move the joints or work the muscles. Your physical therapist tailors this treatment to the jaw and, if necessary, the neck.⁴

Your physical therapist will conduct an evaluation to understand your pain and determine the appropriate treatment. The evaluation focuses on the following areas, among others:

• The range of motion of your jaw and neck
• The presence of symptoms that may be caused by a nerve—such as numbness—and how they respond to movement, when these tests are appropriate
• Your usual positions at work, at rest, and during your activities
• The quality of your jaw and neck movements
• The strength of your jaw and neck muscles, and your ability to control their movements

What will your physical therapist do based on the results of the evaluation?

• The therapist will use manual joint movements and techniques targeting the jaw or neck muscles to reduce pain and improve range of motion. The exercises may also be adapted if a nerve is tender.
• Will give you specific exercises to do at home, tailored to the results of your evaluation, to reduce pain and restore your jaw’s range of motion
• Will help you adjust the duration and intensity of your daily activities based on your symptoms and recovery
• It will give you tips on how to vary your positions and make your movements more comfortable
• Give you tips to reduce pain when it occurs

A 2016 review compiled the results of clinical trials on physical therapy. It found a reduction in pain compared to the control groups. The differences in the range of motion of the jaw remained unclear.¹ A 2023 guideline specifically recommends manual joint mobilization, supervised jaw exercises, and counseling for people whose pain has lasted for at least three months. This guideline addresses persistent pain, not a problem that has just begun.¹⁰

What can you do at home for a jaw problem?

Home care includes adjusting habits that strain the jaw, relaxation, and finding comfortable sleeping positions. You can adjust certain habits, apply cold briefly if it provides relief, or use gentle heat to help you relax. The tips below complement the exercises tailored to your situation.⁸

What tips can help at home?

• If cold provides relief, apply a cold pack wrapped in a towel for no more than five minutes. Gentle heat can help you relax. Protect your skin with a towel, and stop if the application becomes uncomfortable.⁸
• Temporarily reduce the habits that put a strain on your jaw until it regains its flexibility:
  
  • Chewing gum
  • Clenching your teeth
  • Biting your nails
• When going to sleep, find a comfortable position. If you wake up with a stiff jaw or neck, you can try a different pillow or sleeping position and see if that helps.
• If pressure on your jaw makes your symptoms worse when you're in bed, avoid placing your hand under your cheek or jaw.
• Stress can be associated with an increase in symptoms or teeth clenching. A 2025 review notes links between stress, anxiety, depression, bruxism, and jaw disorders. These observational studies do not definitively show the direction of the relationship between these factors.¹¹ You can identify the moments when you clench your teeth and practice relaxation exercises.

If your symptoms do not improve or are limiting your activities, consult a physical therapist, dentist, or doctor, depending on your situation. The urgent signs described above require prompt evaluation.

Did you know?

• Jaw pain can stem from the joints or muscles, but it can also be caused by a dental problem. A review found no clinically relevant link between jaw disorders and the way the upper and lower teeth fit together, known as dental occlusion.¹² Your dentist can look for a dental cause. Your physical therapist evaluates movement and muscle function; the two professionals can work together.
• Jaw disorders are more common in women than in men.¹³

Sources

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2. TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders). (Back to sections: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
3. Murphy MK, MacBarb RF, Wong ME, Athanasiou KA. Temporomandibular disorders: a review of etiology, clinical management, and tissue engineering strategies. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2013;28(6):e393-414. (Back to sections: 1, 2)
4. Gil-Martínez A, Paris-Alemany A, López-de-Uralde-Villanueva I, La Touche R. Management of pain in patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD): challenges and solutions. J Pain Res. 2018;11:571-587. (Back to sections: 1, 2, 3, 4)
5. Calixtre LB, Oliveira AB, de Sena Rosa LR, Armijo-Olivo S, Visscher CM, Alburquerque-Sendín F. Effectiveness of mobilization of the upper cervical region and craniocervical flexor training on orofacial pain, mandibular function, and headache in women with TMD. A randomized, controlled trial. J Oral Rehabil. 2019;46(2):109-119. (Back to section: 1)
6. Omidvar S, Jafari Z. Association Between Tinnitus and Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2019;128(7):662-675. (Back to section: 1)
7. OPPQ. How does it work? (Back to section 1)
8. nhs.uk. Temporomandibular disorder. 2017. (Back to sections: 1, 2, 3)
9. NHS England, “Getting It Right First Time,” Royal College of Surgeons, Faculty of Dental Surgery. “Management of Painful Temporomandibular Disorder in Adults.” Version 1.1, August 27, 2025. 2025. (Back to sections: 1, 2)
10. Busse JW, Casassus R, Carrasco-Labra A, Durham J, Mock D, Zakrzewska JM, et al. Management of chronic pain associated with temporomandibular disorders: a clinical practice guideline. BMJ. 2023;383:e076227. (Back to section: 1)
11. Belenda González I, Montero J, Gómez Polo C, Pardal Peláez B. Evaluation of the relationship between bruxism and/or temporomandibular disorders and stress, anxiety, and depression in adults: A systematic review and qualitative analysis. J Dent. 2025;156:105707. (Back to section: 1)
12. Manfredini D, Lombardo L, Siciliani G. Temporomandibular disorders and dental occlusion. A systematic review of association studies: the end of an era? J Oral Rehabil. 2017;44(11):908-923. (Back to section 1)
13. Warren MP, Fried JL. Temporomandibular disorders and hormones in women. Cells Tissues Organs. 2001;169(3):187-92. (Back to section: 1)