The temporomandibular joint is a joint like any other, and it responds to assessment and treatment in much the same way. People are frequently surprised that physiotherapy has anything to offer here, having been told the options are a mouthguard or putting up with it.
Typical symptoms are aching around the jaw or in front of the ear, clicking or grating when you open and close, difficulty opening wide, pain chewing, and headaches or earache with no ear problem behind them.
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Why the neck comes into it
The jaw and the upper neck are closely related, and a great many people with jaw pain also have a stiff, tender upper neck. Treating the jaw without the neck is one reason jaw treatment sometimes disappoints. We assess both.
What treatment involves
Hands on treatment to the jaw joint and the muscles around it, including work inside the mouth where appropriate and with your consent, treatment to the upper neck, and exercises for jaw control and movement. Alongside that, the practical things: clenching and grinding habits, chewing gum, resting jaw position, and sleep.
Clicking on its own
A jaw that clicks painlessly and opens fully is extremely common and does not need treating. Clicking matters when it comes with pain, with restricted opening, or with episodes of the jaw locking.
Working with your dentist
Your dentist is a key part of this. Grinding, bite problems and dental pain all overlap with jaw joint pain, and a splint or mouthguard from your dentist works well alongside physiotherapy. If we think the problem is primarily dental we will say so. Persistent facial pain that does not behave mechanically should also be discussed with your GP.
