Jaw pain can stem from a variety of issues, making a holistic approach essential for effective relief. Learn about common symptoms, underlying causes, diagnostic methods, and treatment options
Common Symptoms of Jaw Pain
Many patients report similar symptoms when experiencing jaw pain, such as:
- Pain in the teeth or while chewing
- Clicking or popping when opening and closing the jaw
- The jaw feels stuck open or closed
- Morning jaw soreness and nighttime teeth grinding
- Limited ability to open the mouth
- Headaches or pain in the neck and around the ear that doesn’t respond to medication
By understanding your specific symptoms, we can identify the likely cause and recommend the most effective treatment.
Common Underlying Causes of Jaw Pain
Jaw pain often stems from deeper issues involving the muscles and joints. Muscle imbalances or spasms can increase strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), often leading to discomfort that radiates to the neck, face, or ears. Research shows that these are among the most common contributors:
- Grinding teeth, especially at night
- Joint injury or trauma
- “Locked” jaw
- Clicking and popping jaw
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Overuse injury
- Postural dysfunction
Identifying the underlying cause is key to developing a targeted treatment plan.
Common Diagnoses of Jaw Pain
Once the root cause of your jaw pain is identified, several potential diagnoses may explain your symptoms. Our team will evaluate your specific condition to determine if one or more of the following apply:
- Bruxism (clenching or grinding of teeth)
- Internal derangement of the joint (clicking/popping)
- Muscle spasm or pain
- Postural syndrome leading to changes in bite
- Malocclusion (poor bite)
- Past dental surgery with the mouth over-stretched
- Muscle strain/ligament sprains from trauma
- Arthritis of the TMJ
- Post-surgical conditions that lead to a loss or an excess of motion
- Any traumatic injury
An accurate diagnosis allows us to create a personalized and effective treatment plan.
Common Treatment Options for Jaw Pain
At The Center, we have a holistic approach to healing your jaw pain. Physical therapy can complement care provided by your dentist or oral surgeon to obtain pain-free function without limitation. Our jaw treatment program focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying stressors that may be impacting your musculoskeletal system and contributing to your pain.
Along with skilled manual therapy, individualized stretching and strengthening, and patient education. Additional techniques like electrical stimulation and ultrasound may also be incorporated based on your needs. Most patients feel relief within 3-5 visits, with a typical treatment plan lasting 1-2 months. Our goal is to quickly restore your function, relieve your pain, and get you back to your favorite activities.