Jaw Pain (TMJ): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What could jaw pain mean?

Jaw pain can originate in the muscles used for chewing, the joint, the teeth, or another area. The temporomandibular joint, known as the TMJ, connects the lower jaw to the skull. A journal article explains that problems with the teeth, bones, ear, sinuses, nerves, or blood vessels can cause similar pain¹. The examination is used to distinguish between these possibilities. Our guide to physical therapy for the jaw (TMJ) explains the follow-up process.

Pain can interfere with chewing, speaking, and yawning. Bruxism—that is, clenching or grinding the teeth—stress, and certain habits may be associated with these symptoms. They are not the sole cause in everyone. A review of 129 trials, in which participants were randomly assigned to different treatments, suggests generally starting with education, behavioral approaches, and exercises. It generally reserves procedures that involve penetrating tissue with a needle or instrument for cases of persistent pain following appropriate nonsurgical care². However, significant locking, injury, or other warning signs may require a specialized evaluation sooner, according to the clinical guideline on jaw pain disorders³.

What is the temporomandibular joint?

The temporomandibular joint connects the mandible, the lower jawbone, to the skull in front of each ear. Pain may originate in this joint, in the muscles that move it, or in another structure. The joint plays a role in chewing and speech⁴.

Both TMJs combine rotation—in which the jaw pivots—and forward gliding during opening. A study of movement in 61 people without masticatory disorders observed this combination, with differences from person to person and between the two sides⁵. This description alone does not explain the pain.

How Does the Jaw Joint Work?

The rounded head of the mandible, called the condyle, moves within a socket in the temporal bone of the skull and slides toward the raised bony portion located in front of this socket. A disc separates the surfaces, and ligaments—bands of strong tissue—stabilize the entire structure⁶. The masseter muscles, located in the cheeks, and the temporal muscles, located at the temples, are among the muscles that move the jaw⁷.

The disc and the layers of fibrocartilage—a strong supportive tissue—help the joint withstand the forces of chewing⁸. The disc glides with little friction and adapts to the bone surfaces, which do not fit together perfectly⁹.

Disc displacement may be accompanied by a clicking sound or restricted movement, but it can also occur without pain. In a study using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—a test that, among other things, shows the disc—this displacement was visible in 33% of the 82 asymptomatic volunteers and 84% of the 263 symptomatic patients¹⁰. A review of 20 studies confirms that clinical examination may miss some disc displacement and mistakenly suspect others¹¹. A crepitus alone, therefore, does not confirm the position of the disc.

The muscles that close the mouth generate chewing force. In a study of eight cadavers, their structure was better suited to generating force, while the structure of the muscles that open the mouth was better suited to speed and movement¹². During an examination, replicating your usual pain by chewing, opening your mouth, or pressing on a specific area can help pinpoint the affected tissues. This finding alone does not prove that a muscle is damaged.

Who is Most at Risk of Developing TMJ Disorders?

In a U.S. study of 2,737 adults aged 18 to 44 who were initially free of the disorder, 260 developed their first temporomandibular disorder. The follow-up period generally lasted nearly three years. The incidence of new cases increased with age within this age group and was only slightly higher among women¹³. These results do not account for all age groups or individual risk based on gender alone.

In this same study, known as OPPERA, perceived stress, emotional distress, and certain physical symptoms were associated with the onset of temporomandibular disorder. Physical symptoms showed the strongest association¹⁴. The study tracked participants over time; it does not demonstrate that stress explains all symptoms or that it automatically causes jaw clenching.

The evaluation links these factors to your symptoms, your activities, and the test results.

What are the causes of jaw pain?

Jaw pain can stem from the chewing muscles, the joint, an injury, or a dental problem. Other conditions can also cause pain in the same area¹. The examination aims to establish a diagnosis and identify factors that may influence the symptoms.

The OPPERA project summary describes several factors associated with the onset of a pain disorder: other health problems, oral and facial symptoms, jaw habits, sleep, and psychological factors¹⁵. These associations, observed in groups, do not establish a single cause in an individual.

What is bruxism and what is its impact on the jaw?

Bruxism refers to repetitive activity of the jaw muscles, including clenching or grinding of the teeth. It can occur while awake or asleep¹⁶. Some people are unaware that they do this. Bruxism manifests as clenching or grinding of the teeth, sometimes accompanied by pain upon waking.

Severe bruxism can damage the teeth and be accompanied by fatigue or jaw pain, according to the U.S. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)¹⁷. However, the causal link with temporomandibular disorders remains difficult to establish: a 2024 review highlights differences in definitions and conflicting results¹⁶. A dental examination helps clarify the consequences and determine appropriate treatment.

Tooth wear or chipping, tooth sensitivity, jaw fatigue, or headaches are symptoms you should report to your dentist. The dentist will examine your teeth and muscles and ask when the clenching occurs. A sleep study may be helpful in certain situations, such as to evaluate bruxism. None of these signs on their own is sufficient for a diagnosis.

How does stress affect the jaw?

Stress and emotional distress can accompany the onset of a temporomandibular disorder. The OPPERA project observed this association¹⁴, without demonstrating that stress automatically causes jaw tension or that it explains all cases.

Some people notice that they clench their teeth more during times of stress or when concentrating. This observation can help them adjust their habits; it does not prove that stress and clenching account for all the pain.

If you notice your jaw clenching while you're awake, you can try a subtle reminder to relax your teeth, without constantly monitoring your jaw. The NIDCR recommends this strategy¹⁷ for waking bruxism. Its effect on your pain should be reevaluated; it is not a substitute for an examination or other necessary care.

How does posture influence jaw pain?

A forward head posture can coexist with neck or jaw symptoms. A review of 17 studies published in 2013 concluded that the association between the two was uncertain, largely due to the limitations of the studies¹⁸. An observed posture is not sufficient to identify the cause of pain or a position that needs to be corrected in everyone.

The upper cervical spine may be examined when neck and jaw symptoms occur together. In one trial, 61 women with temporomandibular disorder were randomly assigned to two groups. For five weeks, one group received mobilization techniques, neck movements (see our guide on neck pain) guided by the therapist, and exercises to control the neck muscles. The other group received no treatment. Facial and jaw pain, as well as the impact of headaches, decreased more significantly with the program, with no clear difference in jaw function¹⁹.

These results do not show that the neck causes all jaw disorders, nor do they suggest that the neck should be treated in every person¹⁹.

If working at a computer, driving, or maintaining a certain position for a long time clearly affects your symptoms, this observation can be included in the evaluation. It does not prove that your posture is causing the pain.

What other causes can explain jaw pain?

An impact can injure the jaw. Joint inflammation or osteoarthritis can also affect the TMJ; a dental problem can cause pain in the surrounding area²⁰. Occlusion describes how the upper teeth meet the lower teeth. A different type of contact does not necessarily mean it is causing the pain. A review of occlusion and posture found no predictable relationship that could explain temporomandibular disorders based on these measurements²¹.

Pain, noises, and difficulty moving the jaw should be described separately during the examination.

What are the symptoms of TMJ disorders?

TMJ disorders can cause pain in the jaw, near the ear, or in the temples, limited jaw movement, and sometimes locking of the jaw. These symptoms may be accompanied by painful noises, headaches, or stiffness²². An isolated, painless clicking sound does not necessarily indicate a problem that requires treatment.

A condition may primarily affect the muscles, primarily the joint, or both. The examination identifies this combination without inferring it from the number of symptoms²⁰.

What does TMJ pain feel like?

TMJ-related pain is often felt near the jaw, ear, or temple. It may worsen when chewing or during times of stress²². Make a note of the actions that affect the pain and the times when it occurs so you can discuss them during your exam.

The pain may spread to the face or neck. However, pain behind the eye or in the ear may have another cause. An examination of the jaw is therefore performed in addition to any necessary medical or dental examinations, but it does not replace the search for warning signs.

Any unexplained facial or head pain warrants further evaluation. Report any difficulty chewing, locking of the jaw, or new symptoms so that the appropriate tests can be ordered.

What do jaw noises mean?

A cracking or clicking sound may accompany a disc displacement. The sound alone does not confirm the disc’s position or explain the pain. The healthcare professional interprets it in conjunction with the symptoms, movements, and activities that have become difficult.

A painless click or snap is common and usually does not require treatment, according to the NIDCR²⁰. A study of 100 people with no natural teeth and no symptoms also found joint noises in 47% of them.²³ This finding applies to this specific population. Seek medical advice if the sound becomes painful, is accompanied by locking, or limits movement.

When does the jaw lock?

The jaw may remain locked open, unable to close, or may open less than before. A displaced disc that does not return to its normal position during opening is a possible cause of limited opening. A review distinguishes between this type of displacement with or without limitation²⁴. The patient’s history, physical examination, and sometimes imaging help clarify the diagnosis; limited opening alone does not prove a disc problem.

A jaw that is locked open—and that you can no longer close—may be dislocated, meaning it has shifted out of place. Have it evaluated in the emergency room without trying to put it back in place yourself²⁵. A sudden and significant limitation in jaw opening, a lock that worsens, or an inability to eat or drink also requires urgent medical evaluation³.

What are the types of TMJ disorders?

Temporomandibular disorders include muscle pain, joint pain, and problems within the joint, such as certain disc displacements. The international diagnostic criteria, known as DC/TMD, use the patient’s history and a standardized examination to distinguish them²⁶.

For the common pain conditions studied, these criteria identified at least 86% of cases and correctly identified at least 98% of individuals without the condition. For intra-articular disorders, the rates were approximately 80% and 97%, respectively. For several other joint problems, the test is primarily used to identify a possible condition that requires further evaluation²⁶.

What is jaw muscle pain?

Myalgia refers to muscle pain; when it occurs in the jaw, it affects the masticatory muscles. The practitioner will try to replicate your typical pain by pressing on the muscles or having you move your mouth. The DC/TMD criteria distinguish these pains from problems within the joint²⁶. This reproduction alone does not indicate excessive tension, fatigue, or muscle injury.

Myofascial pain is muscle pain that can extend beyond the area affected during the examination. The muscles used for chewing may be tender, tight, or fatigued. Pain felt in another area, such as the temple, is called referred pain. Diagnostic criteria for TMJ²⁶ distinguish these presentations based on symptoms and physical examination; a tender area does not necessarily indicate a constantly contracted muscle.

A study compared 25 women with jaw muscle pain to 25 women without this problem who had similar characteristics. The examiner pressed on sensitive areas—called trigger points—in the muscles of the jaw, neck, and shoulders. In the participants with pain, this action could reproduce pain at the site of pressure or at a distance, similar to their usual pain²⁷.

This observation does not demonstrate the effectiveness of myofascial release and does not establish that the neck should be treated in everyone²⁷.

Pressing on a tender area yourself may reproduce the pain, but this action alone is not enough to diagnose muscle pain. The healthcare professional interprets this finding in conjunction with the patient’s movements, history, and other findings from the examination.

What is jaw disc displacement?

A disc displacement means that the disc is no longer in its normal relationship with the rounded head of the mandible. In a displacement with reduction, the disc returns to this relationship when the mouth opens. In a displacement without reduction, it does not return to this relationship²⁴. This type of displacement may be accompanied by noises or restricted movement, but an X-ray alone is not sufficient to explain the pain.

Certain click or limitation patterns may be consistent with a disc herniation. They are not sufficient to confirm its presence, type, or role in the symptoms; interpretation depends on the patient's history, physical examination, and, when necessary, imaging.

Many types of disc herniation respond well to monitoring and non-surgical treatment. Depending on the diagnosis, options may include education, physical therapy, a splint, or medication²⁴. However, significant stiffness or difficulty eating requires prompt specialized evaluation; the presence of a herniation on an imaging study alone does not determine the course of treatment.

What is TMJ Osteoarthritis?

TMJ osteoarthritis primarily affects the cartilage that covers the joint surfaces and the bone directly beneath it. These tissues can change in structure over time²⁸.

Changes seen on imaging alone are not enough to explain the pain. Treatment decisions take into account difficult activities, movements, other symptoms, and your goals. The Clinical Guide to Jaw Disorders³ generally favors appropriate nonsurgical treatment and a reassessment of its effectiveness.

A diagnosis is based on a combination of symptoms and a physical examination; no imaging test can replace this approach.

How are TMJ Disorders Diagnosed?

The professional diagnoses a TMJ disorder based on your description of your symptoms, your jaw movements, and a physical examination of your jaw. He or she measures your mouth opening and looks for movements or pressure that trigger your usual pain. The DC/TMD criteria provide a recognized framework for several pain-related diagnoses²⁶.

For certain problems within the joint, the examination primarily identifies a possibility. The healthcare professional may then order an imaging test if it addresses a specific question²⁶. The patient’s account, typical pain patterns, range of motion, and joint sounds are interpreted together; a single sign is not sufficient²⁶.

What Tests are Needed for a TMJ Disorder?

An X-ray can be used to identify a dental or bone problem. A CT scan, which produces detailed images of the bones, may be chosen for certain joint conditions. An MRI is the appropriate test for determining the position of the disc when this information is needed. The RCS (Royal College of Surgeons) Clinical Guidelines³ recommends selecting imaging on a case-by-case basis following the initial examination, without routine X-rays for all cases of TMJ pain.

In a study of 82 asymptomatic volunteers and 263 symptomatic patients, disc displacement was found in 33% and 84% of the participants, respectively¹⁰. This difference indicates an association but also suggests the possible presence of disc displacement without symptoms. The result should be interpreted in conjunction with pain and functional ability, without being ignored or considered the sole explanation.

What are the Effective Treatments for Jaw Pain?

Appropriate exercises, education, and certain joint mobilization techniques can reduce jaw pain. For pain that lasts at least three months, a clinical guideline published in 2023²⁹ recommends, among other things, supervised exercises, joint movements guided by a therapist, and strategies for better coping with pain. These recommendations do not apply to recent pain.

The decision takes into account the diagnosis, challenging activities, your preferences, risks, and treatments you have already tried. The 2025 British Clinical Guidelines³ generally favors nonsurgical care. However, certain injuries, significant blockage, or warning signs require earlier referral to a specialist.

A 2016 review of seven short articles had already found an average reduction in pain with the physical therapy interventions studied. It did not show a clear improvement in active mouth opening, and the authors considered their conclusions to be limited by the number and differences among the studies³⁰. A more recent review from 2023³¹ included 153 trials in its comparisons of treatments for persistent pain. Approaches that encourage movement and help patients cope with pain were among the most strongly supported options. These averages do not predict individual outcomes.

What Can I Do at Home to Relieve My Jaw Pain?

At home, you can temporarily adjust your diet, try applying heat or cold for comfort, and practice the exercises taught by your healthcare professional. The patient information sheet from the British guide³² describes these strategies as self-care. Which ones to choose depends on your specific issue; any significant blockage or warning sign should be evaluated first.

During a painful period, temporarily choose foods that require less chewing, such as eggs, pasta, or soup. This adjustment can make meals more tolerable; it does not mean you should stop moving your jaw. Gradually return to your usual textures based on how comfortable you feel and the advice you’ve received³². If you are unable to eat or drink, seek an urgent evaluation.

You can try heat or cold for temporary relief, depending on what feels best for you. The NHS²² recommends applying a cold pack wrapped in a towel for up to five minutes, or a warm compress wrapped in a towel for 15 to 20 minutes, twice a day. Protect your skin and stop applying heat if it becomes uncomfortable. Heat is used here for comfort; it does not repair the disc or other tissues.

If you find yourself clenching your teeth during the day, gently let them relax. An occasional reminder can help you notice this habit¹⁷. The goal is to adjust this habit without constantly checking the position of your jaw.

What is the Role of an Occlusal Splint?

An occlusal guard is a device fitted to the teeth by a dentist. It can protect the teeth from the effects of bruxism¹⁷. The dentist specifies this goal and checks the fit; protecting the teeth and relieving TMJ pain are two different goals.

For TMJ pain that has persisted for at least three months, the 2023 guide²⁹ generally does not recommend reversible mouthguards as a treatment for pain. This recommendation leaves room for individual decision-making and is not intended to protect teeth from bruxism. A mouthguard should not permanently alter your bite. If it causes pain, stop wearing it and see your dentist²⁰.

When Are Medications Helpful?

If you are considering taking a pain reliever, check with a pharmacist or doctor to make sure it is appropriate for your health condition and any other medications you are taking.

The medication is intended to relieve symptoms, and the choice of medication depends on your health condition. An anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen may sometimes be recommended, but it is not suitable for everyone. The healthcare professional will explain the duration of treatment, possible side effects, and potential interactions with your other medications²⁰. Medications are no substitute for an examination of unexplained or urgent pain.

How does physical therapy help manage jaw pain?

Physical therapy helps manage jaw pain and restore the movements needed for eating, speaking, and yawning. Supervised exercises and joint mobilization are among the recommended options for pain that has lasted at least three months²⁹. The program may also include education and strategies to apply in daily life.

The physical therapist selects treatments based on your diagnosis, the activities you find difficult, and your goals. He or she monitors changes in pain and function, and then adjusts the treatment plan if progress is not satisfactory. Insufficient progress may require a reevaluation or collaboration with a dentist or physician³.

Joint mobilization is a movement of the joint guided by the physical therapist’s hands. Jaw mobilizations may reduce persistent pain, according to the 2023 review³¹.

Our physical therapy guide for the jaw (TMJ) describes a moment of slow breathing and relaxation. This moment can complement the treatment plan; relaxation alone is not a treatment for persistent pain recommended by the 2023 guide²⁹.

Neck or posture exercises may be included in some programs. The 2023 review on persistent pain³¹ reports that supervised postural exercises are beneficial for pain, compared to a sham treatment. This finding does not prove that poor posture causes the condition, nor that these exercises correct all problems with mouth opening.

To learn more about the physiotherapy approach for the jaw, consult our guide on physiotherapy for the jaw (TMJ).

What conditions are associated with jaw pain?

Jaw disorders can occur alongside headaches, sleep problems, and tinnitus—noises heard in the ear with no external source. The British Clinical Guide³ recommends that these associated problems also be evaluated.

A review of 22 studies, eight of which were combined to compare results, found an association between tinnitus and temporomandibular disorders³³. It does not prove that the jaw causes the ringing or that treating the jaw will make it go away.

What is the link between jaw and headaches?

Different types of headaches have their own diagnostic criteria. Pain in the temples associated with jaw movements can guide the examination, but it is not sufficient for a diagnosis. A band-like headache is not sufficient to establish this cause. A 2024 review describes the possible coexistence of jaw disorders, bruxism, and certain types of headaches; it highlights the uncertainty surrounding their cause-and-effect relationships¹⁶.

A headache should be evaluated on its own merits. Headaches originating in the neck are another possibility that must be ruled out. A lack of response to your usual treatment does not, by itself, indicate a cause originating in the jaw. See our guide on headaches (also known as cephalalgia) to learn more.

Why do I have ear pain but no infection?

According to the NHS, a TMJ disorder can cause pain near the ear²². The joint is located just in front of the ear, but this proximity alone is not enough to make a diagnosis. Ear pain also requires an investigation into its specific causes.

The absence of an infection does not prove that the jaw is the cause. The doctor can examine the ear and arrange for additional tests if necessary. New hearing loss or other neurological signs, such as weakness or loss of sensation in the face, require prompt evaluation³.

When should I seek help for my jaw pain?

Jaw pain that interferes with eating, speaking, or sleeping—or that recurs or persists—warrants a medical consultation. A dentist, physical therapist, or doctor can determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment³. The warning signs listed below require immediate attention; do not wait several weeks to have them evaluated.

Some conditions improve on their own or with non-surgical treatment, while others persist³². Worsening pain, difficulty eating, or a new symptom should prompt a reassessment of the situation. The speed of your recovery is not a measure of your efforts.

What symptoms require urgent medical attention?

Some symptoms require immediate medical attention:

• Call 911 if jaw pain is accompanied by chest pressure or pain, or severe shortness of breath. Pain originating in the heart can radiate to the jaw³⁴. Difficulty breathing or heavy bleeding following a jaw injury also requires calling 911²⁵.
• If your jaw is locked in the open position, seek immediate evaluation at the emergency room. Do not try to realign it yourself²⁵.
• Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect a fracture or a dislocated jaw. Signs may include an inability to close your mouth, a jaw that is locked in a forward position, or teeth that no longer align properly. A jaw can become dislocated without any blow to the face²⁵.
• In the case of a dental infection, severe swelling of the mouth, difficulty opening the mouth, swallowing, or speaking, a swollen or painful eye, or a sudden change in vision requires emergency care. Difficulty breathing requires calling 911. Tooth pain accompanied by swelling, fever, or a bad taste in the mouth may indicate an abscess and requires prompt dental care, even without these severe symptoms³⁵.
• Cramp-like pain in the jaw while eating or speaking requires urgent medical evaluation. A new, severe headache in the temples or tenderness of the scalp may accompany this pain, but the absence of these symptoms should not delay seeking medical attention. Double vision or vision loss must be evaluated immediately. Also seek urgent medical advice for frequent and severe headaches or pain or tenderness in the temples or scalp. These signs may indicate inflammation of an artery in the head³⁶.

Do not try to treat these conditions solely with exercises or home remedies.

Also seek immediate evaluation for sudden, severe difficulty swallowing; a noticeable narrowing of the opening; an inability to eat or drink; a fever; or new weakness or loss of sensation in the face. A lump on the face or neck, unexplained weight loss, a sore in the mouth, or a hoarse voice that lasts three weeks also warrants a medical evaluation. Report any recent changes in your bite, especially after an injury. The British Clinical Guidelines (Tables 2 and 7)³ describes these reasons for evaluation; they do not all indicate the same condition or require the same treatment.

Who should you consult for a jaw problem?

The physical therapist evaluates the muscles, joints, and activities that have become difficult. The dentist looks specifically for dental problems and determines whether braces would be beneficial. The doctor evaluates other possible causes and coordinates medical or specialized care³. These professionals may work together when multiple issues coexist.

In Quebec, you can see a physical therapist directly at a private clinic without a prescription³⁷. For pain that appears to originate in the muscles or joints, this evaluation may be part of your care. However, dental pain or warning signs require the appropriate professional and timely attention.

How long does it take to recover from a TMJ disorder?

Recovery from a TMJ disorder can take several months, and some symptoms may persist or recur. The British patient information sheet³² describes an improvement that is often gradual over the course of several months. The diagnosis and changes observed during follow-up help tailor the treatment plan; no fixed timeframe guarantees a cure.

Two five-year follow-up studies illustrate these trajectories. In the first study, among 234 people who had a pain disorder at baseline, 49% were pain-free at follow-up, 23% had improved, 13% remained in the same category, and 16% had worsened. The percentages are rounded³⁸.

In the second study, 165 of the 235 participants being monitored had jaw muscle pain at the start. This pain persisted in 31%, had disappeared in 33%, and recurred intermittently in 36% of the 165 participants³⁹. These studies describe groups; they do not specify how many sessions you will need.

What factors influence recovery?

In the second study, more frequent pain at baseline, a greater number of pressure-sensitive areas during the jaw examination, and pain in multiple parts of the body were associated with persistent muscle pain after five years³⁹. These factors did not clearly predict the difference between symptoms that resolved and those that recurred. They do not, on their own, determine your prognosis.

Slow progress alone does not necessarily indicate a lack of effort or commitment.

Can TMJ disorders be prevented?

Jaw-protection habits do not guarantee that you will avoid a TMJ disorder. However, they can help manage behaviors that worsen symptoms: temporarily adjusting how you chew, limiting clenching that occurs while awake, and choosing movements that are tolerable³². A comfort or treatment strategy does not guarantee complete prevention.

Stress management can support your well-being and help you cope with symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps adjust thoughts and habits related to pain, is one of the recommended options for TMJ pain that has lasted at least three months²⁹. This therapeutic benefit does not prove that it prevents the onset of any disorder.

If you notice that you're clenching your teeth while awake, you can try an occasional reminder to break this habit. Constant monitoring isn't necessary; find a routine that's easy to stick with on a daily basis.

You can adjust the screen’s position and orientation to suit your comfort. Observing a particular posture does not prove that it is the cause of a TMJ disorder¹⁸. A setup that makes you more comfortable is not, in and of itself, proof of prevention.

If a habit clearly worsens your symptoms—such as chewing gum or chewing on a pencil—you can cut back on it. Temporarily adjust foods that are difficult to chew, and resume helpful activities as tolerated³². The goal is to manage symptoms without permanently avoiding all movement.

What are the key takeaways about jaw pain?

The key points regarding jaw pain are identifying the problem, receiving treatment tailored to one’s activities, and recognizing signs that require urgent attention. The muscles, joint, or teeth may be involved. Exercises and certain mobilization techniques can help reduce persistent pain; results vary from person to person. Bruxism and stress may be associated with the symptoms but are not the sole cause.

An individualized treatment plan may aim to make chewing more comfortable, improve mouth opening, and enable the resumption of important activities. Goals and responses vary from person to person.

Our physical therapists are trained to assess and treat TMJ disorders. Pain, painful clicking, or limited mouth opening may warrant an evaluation and a personalized treatment plan. An isolated clicking sound without pain usually does not require treatment.

To understand how your jaw pain fits into the broader picture of head and facial pain, consult our guide on head and facial pain.

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