Pain in your jaw? It might be TMJ Disorder

Pain in your face or jaw… earache or tinnitus… clicking or crunching sounds when you eat… our chiropractors in Brighton see these symptoms all the time and they all have something in common – they’re all signs of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder.

Also known as TMJ Disorder or TMJD, this is a common complaint that varies in severity and cause from person to person. It describes pain in the temporomandibular joint, which is the hinge in front of your ear that connects your jaw to your skull. It’s a small but very powerful joint with lots of nerve endings so speaking, chewing, yawning and eating can become very painful. It’s also surrounded by a high concentration of lymph nodes, so it’s also an integral part of draining lymphatic fluid, which helps to keep your body free from infection by acting like a kind of ‘waste dispenser’. If you’d like to know more about the lymphatic system, read our blog post all about it here.

TMJ Disorder happens when the temporomandibular joint becomes inflamed, due to injury, infection, or chronic tension in the jaw. The internal TMJ disc can become displaced too. Did you know that even posture can play a role? A 2022 study in the Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain found a link between poor posture, spinal problems and increased TMJ symptoms.

If you’re suffering from any or a combination of the following, you could have TMJ Disorder.

Pain in the chewing muscles and jaw joint.
A clicking, crunching or popping sound when you eat or yawn.
Stiffness, lack of movement or locking in the jaw.
Pain in the ear, side of the face or neck.
Tinnitus or muffled hearing.

TMJ Disorder can affect anyone at any age. In most cases, the pain will subside on its own within days or weeks. But if jaw pain bothers you regularly and interferes with your life, there are many actions you can take to feel better.

Find out the root cause of your pain. TMJ Disorder varies for everybody and can arise from improper jaw alignment, impacted wisdom teeth or neck problems. It can even be due to general tension and stress in the body leading to unconsciously clenching your teeth.

And the treatment options? They’re a kaleidoscope beyond the one-size-fits-all mouthguard. Ask a chiropractor or physiotherapist for help. If you are near Brighton, ask us because we have a special interest in TMJ problems.

Physical therapy, soft tissue work and acupuncture have great results in alleviating TMJ Disorder. Localised massages to the jaw and neck will loosen up tight muscles. Acupuncture focusing on the fascia and tissue of your jaw will stimulate an anti-inflammatory response to the affected joint. Personalised exercises to do in the meantime will prevent the problem from coming back.

Don’t overuse painkillers. Occasional use of NSAIDs like Ibuprofen is fine, but if you have to take them most days to deal with your jaw pain, this may be doing you more harm than good. It’s best to visit a chiropractor or, if appropriate, your dentist to find out what is causing your TMJ Disorder rather than relying on painkillers to feel better.

Address the stress in your life. We know this is easier said than done, but TMJ Disorder is more often than not caused by chronic stress and tension. Make time to regularly and gently move your jaw, roll your shoulders and take deep breaths. This will remind you to relax your muscles, steady your breathing and prevent your body from entering stress mode. Over time, this will do wonders for alleviating your jaw pain.

TMJ Disorder is highly treatable and you don’t have to suffer in silence. Don’t hesitate to book in at Sundial – we’re always happy to help you.