Does your jaw click when you eat, ache when you chew or feel stiff when you first wake up?
Perhaps you experience a sharp pain near your ear when opening your mouth, find yourself avoiding chewy foods, or notice that your jaw feels tight after a stressful day. Maybe you've started getting headaches around your temples, your jaw feels tired after talking for long periods, or you occasionally experience a catching sensation when opening your mouth. You might even be worried because your jaw makes a clicking or popping noise every time you eat. Jaw pain can be surprisingly frustrating because we use our jaw constantly throughout the day. Eating, talking, yawning, laughing and even swallowing involve the muscles and joints around your jaw. The reassuring news is that many common causes of jaw pain can improve with appropriate management, and a clicking jaw doesn't automatically mean something is seriously wrong.
Jaw pain when chewing, yawning or opening your mouth?
Sarah provides individualised osteopathic assessment and care for musculoskeletal jaw pain in Milford, Auckland, helping patients understand their symptoms and explore appropriate treatment options.
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What Is the TMJ?
Your temporomandibular joint, commonly called the TMJ, is the joint connecting your lower jaw to your skull. You have one TMJ on each side of your face, just in front of your ears. These joints work together with your jaw muscles to allow you to open and close your mouth, chew, speak and move your jaw from side to side Inside each joint is a small cartilage disc that helps the joint move smoothly. When the jaw joint, disc or surrounding muscles become painful or aren't functioning comfortably, this is often called a temporomandibular disorder (TMD). People commonly refer to this as TMJ pain or TMJ dysfunction. Technically, TMJ refers to the joint itself, while TMD describes conditions affecting the joint and surrounding structures.
Does This Sound Like Your Jaw Pain?
Jaw pain can feel different depending on which structures are involved. Some people experience aching around the jaw muscles, while others notice clicking, stiffness or pain when opening their mouth.
You might recognise one of these descriptions.
"My jaw clicks every time I open my mouth." Perhaps you notice a clicking or popping noise when eating, yawning or talking.
"It hurts when I chew." You might find crunchy foods, chewy meat or chewing gum uncomfortable.
"I wake up with a sore jaw." Perhaps your jaw feels tight or tired in the morning, particularly if you clench or grind your teeth during sleep.
"I get pain just in front of my ear." You may notice tenderness around the jaw joint, particularly when opening your mouth.
"My jaw feels like it's catching." Sometimes your jaw may feel temporarily restricted or catch during opening.
"I get headaches around my temples." Jaw muscle tension and some temporomandibular disorders can contribute to headaches around the temples.
"My jaw feels tired after talking." Perhaps long conversations, singing or speaking for extended periods causes aching around your jaw muscles.
"I can't open my mouth as wide as I used to." You may notice restricted movement, discomfort or difficulty opening your mouth fully.
Not every clicking jaw requires treatment.
If your jaw clicks without pain, locking or difficulty eating, it may not be a cause for concern.
However, persistent pain, reduced movement or difficulty chewing deserves assessment.
What Causes Jaw Pain and TMJ Problems?
There isn't always one obvious cause. Jaw pain can develop from a combination of joint, muscle, dental and behavioural factors.
Jaw Muscle Pain
The muscles around your jaw work whenever you chew, talk or move your mouth. These muscles can become sore or sensitive, sometimes associated with prolonged clenching, chewing or other repetitive activity. You may notice aching around your cheeks, temples or jawline.
Teeth Grinding and Jaw Clenching
Teeth grinding is called bruxism. Some people grind or clench their teeth during sleep, while others notice themselves clenching during the day. You might wake with jaw soreness, experience tired jaw muscles or notice headaches around your temples. However, not everyone who grinds their teeth develops TMD, and jaw pain can occur without grinding.
TMJ Disc Displacement
Inside your jaw joint is a small cartilage disc that helps the joint move. In some people, the disc changes position relative to the joint surfaces. This may contribute to clicking, popping, catching or restricted movement. However, disc displacement can also occur without pain.
TMJ Osteoarthritis
Like other joints in the body, the temporomandibular joint can develop age-related or degenerative changes. Some people experience aching, stiffness or grinding sensations during jaw movement. However, joint changes on imaging don't always explain pain.
Jaw Injuries
Jaw pain can develop following a direct impact, sporting injury or accident. Significant trauma, changes in your bite or difficulty opening your mouth after an injury requires medical or dental assessment.
Dental and Oral Health Problems
Not all jaw pain comes from the TMJ. Tooth decay, dental infections, gum disease and other oral health conditions can cause pain around the jaw or face. If you have toothache, facial swelling, fever or pain associated with a particular tooth, a dentist is often the most appropriate first point of contact.
Stress and Jaw Tension
Stress can sometimes contribute to increased jaw muscle activity or clenching. You might notice yourself holding your teeth together when concentrating, working or feeling tense. However, TMD is a genuine physical condition and shouldn't simply be dismissed as stress.
Why Does My Jaw Hurt During Everyday Activities?
Jaw pain can affect activities that most people rarely think about until they become uncomfortable.
Jaw Pain When Chewing
Does your jaw ache when eating steak, crusty bread, apples or other chewy foods? Chewing requires repeated movement and muscle activity. If your jaw muscles or joints are sensitive, tougher foods may aggravate symptoms. You might find yourself chewing on one side or avoiding certain foods.
Jaw Pain When Yawning
Yawning requires your mouth to open widely. Perhaps you experience a sharp pain, clicking or catching sensation when you yawn. Some people notice discomfort when opening their mouth wide enough to bite into a burger or sandwich.
Jaw Pain When Opening Your Mouth
Does opening your mouth to brush your teeth, eat or visit the dentist cause discomfort? You might notice stiffness, clicking or restricted movement.
Jaw Pain When Talking
Talking involves repeated small movements of the jaw. If your jaw muscles are sensitive, long conversations, teaching, singing or public speaking may aggravate symptoms.
Jaw Pain When Waking Up
Perhaps your jaw feels stiff or tired first thing in the morning. Some people experience morning jaw discomfort associated with sleep bruxism or other jaw muscle activity.
Jaw Pain When Eating Crunchy Foods
Crunchy or chewy foods can increase the demands placed on your jaw muscles. You might notice aching after eating nuts, crusty bread or chewy lollies.
Jaw Pain When Working or Concentrating
Do you catch yourself clenching your jaw while working at your computer? Some people unconsciously hold their teeth together when concentrating. Becoming aware of this habit may help reduce unnecessary muscle activity.
Jaw Pain During Exercise
Some people clench their jaw when lifting weights or performing demanding exercises. If your jaw is already sensitive, this may contribute to discomfort. If jaw pain is affecting your eating, talking, sleeping or everyday activities, an assessment may help identify what's contributing to your symptoms.
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What Can I Do to Relieve Jaw Pain?
Many common temporomandibular disorders improve with conservative management. The most appropriate approach depends on your symptoms and the underlying cause.
1. Temporarily Choose Softer Foods
If chewing is painful, consider choosing softer foods for a short period. You don't necessarily need to avoid all firm foods permanently. The aim is to reduce aggravation while gradually returning to normal chewing as symptoms settle.
2. Avoid Excessive Chewing
If your jaw is painful, try temporarily reducing chewing gum and other activities involving prolonged repetitive chewing.
3. Keep Your Teeth Apart When Resting
When you're not eating or speaking, your teeth don't need to be touching. Try allowing your jaw to rest comfortably, with your lips gently together and your teeth slightly apart. Avoid forcing your jaw into a particular position.
4. Try Gentle Heat
A warm compress around your jaw muscles may help ease discomfort.
5. Avoid Forcing Your Mouth Open
If opening your mouth widely causes pain, try reducing the range temporarily. Avoid forcing painful stretches or repeatedly testing how wide you can open.
6. Notice Jaw Clenching Habits
You might notice yourself clenching while working, driving or concentrating. Simply becoming aware of these habits can help you reduce unnecessary jaw muscle activity.
7. Consider Gentle Jaw Exercises
Some people benefit from gentle jaw movement and coordination exercises. However, exercises should be appropriate for your symptoms, particularly if you experience locking or significant pain.
8. Seek Dental Advice When Appropriate
If you grind your teeth, have tooth pain or notice changes in your bite, a dentist can assess whether dental treatment or a protective appliance may be appropriate.
9. Seek Assessment if Symptoms Persist
If your jaw pain isn't improving, keeps returning or is affecting your ability to eat or open your mouth comfortably, an assessment may help guide treatment. You don't have to wait until chewing or yawning becomes extremely painful before asking for help.
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Is Jaw Clicking Something to Worry About?
Jaw clicking is common. Some people notice clicking or popping when opening their mouth, chewing or yawning. These sounds can sometimes be associated with movement of the disc inside the TMJ. However, a clicking jaw doesn't automatically mean the joint is damaged or needs treatment. If your jaw clicks without pain, locking or difficulty eating, treatment may not be necessary. If clicking is associated with pain, catching, restricted movement or locking, an assessment is appropriate.
Can TMJ Problems Cause Headaches or Ear Pain?
Yes. Some temporomandibular disorders can be associated with headaches, particularly around the temples. You may also notice discomfort around or just in front of your ear. However, ear pain and headaches can have many causes. Ear infections, dental problems, migraine and other medical conditions may produce similar symptoms. Persistent ear symptoms, hearing changes or unexplained headaches should be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional.
How Can Osteopathic Treatment Help Jaw Pain and TMJ Problems?
If jaw pain is affecting your everyday activities, osteopathic assessment and treatment may help manage associated musculoskeletal discomfort and improve jaw movement. I'm Sarah Boughtwood, a structural osteopath based in Milford on Auckland's North Shore, with over 10 years of clinical experience. I treat adults and children aged five years and older, helping patients manage musculoskeletal aches, pains and injuries. My approach is to understand not just where your jaw hurts, but how that pain is affecting your everyday life.Perhaps you're struggling to chew comfortably, open your mouth, yawn without pain or get through the day without jaw tension.
During your appointment, I'll take the time to understand how your symptoms developed, what movements aggravate them and whether dental or medical assessment may be needed. I'll assess your jaw movement, surrounding muscles and relevant neck and upper back function where appropriate.
Depending on your symptoms and diagnosis, treatment may include:
Gentle soft tissue techniques to help manage jaw muscle discomfort
Appropriate manual therapy where suitable
Individualised jaw movement and coordination exercises
Advice on reducing activities that aggravate your symptoms
Practical strategies for eating, yawning and managing clenching habits
Guidance on gradually returning to comfortable jaw movement
Referral to a dentist, GP or other healthcare professional when indicated
Treatment is tailored to your age, symptoms, medical history and comfort levels. Conservative treatment, including education, exercises and appropriate manual therapy, can help some people with temporomandibular disorders. However, not all jaw pain is musculoskeletal, and treatment should be based on an appropriate diagnosis. My aim is to help you understand your symptoms, manage discomfort and return to everyday activities with greater confidence.
Book a Jaw Pain & TMJ Assessment with Sarah
When Should I Be Concerned About Jaw Pain?
Many cases of jaw pain are musculoskeletal, but some symptoms require medical or dental assessment.
Seek prompt assessment if you experience:
Significant facial swelling
Fever with jaw or dental pain
Difficulty opening your mouth following an injury
A jaw that becomes locked open or closed
Severe tooth pain or suspected dental infection
Unexplained numbness or progressive facial weakness
Persistent or worsening pain without a clear cause
Difficulty breathing or swallowing associated with facial or neck swelling requires emergency medical attention. Jaw pain accompanied by chest pressure, shortness of breath, sweating or pain spreading into the arm or chest may indicate a heart problem. Call 111 in New Zealand. Children with persistent jaw pain, difficulty eating, significant restriction or symptoms following an injury should be medically or dentally assessed.
Can Children Get TMJ Pain?
Yes. Children and teenagers can experience jaw pain and temporomandibular disorders.
Symptoms may include:
Jaw clicking
Pain when chewing
Difficulty opening the mouth
Jaw muscle tenderness
Headaches associated with jaw discomfort
However, dental development, injuries and other conditions can also cause jaw pain in children. A dental or medical assessment is particularly important when symptoms are persistent, unusual or affecting eating.
Can I See an Osteopath for Jaw Pain Under ACC?
Sometimes. If your jaw pain is associated with an injury that qualifies for ACC cover, you may be eligible for subsidised osteopathic treatment. For example, symptoms following a direct impact or sporting injury may qualify, depending on the circumstances and ACC's assessment. Not all jaw pain is covered by ACC, particularly when symptoms develop gradually without a qualifying injury. I'm an ACC-registered osteopath, and you don't need a GP referral to book an appointment.
Don't Let Jaw Pain Make Eating and Talking Uncomfortable
Jaw pain can affect so many everyday activities. Perhaps you're avoiding certain foods, waking with a sore jaw, experiencing clicking when you eat or struggling to open your mouth comfortably. It can be frustrating when simple things like chewing, yawning and talking become uncomfortable. But jaw clicking doesn't automatically mean your TMJ is damaged, and many common temporomandibular disorders can improve with appropriate conservative management. If you're experiencing persistent jaw pain, muscle tension, painful clicking or discomfort when chewing, I'd love to help you explore your treatment options. I'm Sarah, a structural osteopath based in Milford, Auckland, providing individualised care for adults and children aged five years and older. Let's work towards helping you move your jaw more comfortably and get back to everyday life.
Book an Osteopathy Appointment with Sarah
Sarah Boughtwood | BAppSc(HB), Master of Osteopathy | ACC Registered Osteopath | Milford, North Shore, Auckland
This article provides general information and doesn't replace individual medical or dental assessment.