Jaw pain or temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD) is a fairly common complaint. The symptoms of jaw dysfunction can range from localised jaw pain, headaches, neck pain, tooth soreness, locking of the jaw and soreness in the jaw and face when eating. People who suffer from chronic jaw pain can have a collection of the above symptoms.

There are a number of causes for jaw pain. One of the most common causes of jaw pain is grinding or clenching teeth. Other causes include prolonged periods of jaw immobilisation (open or closed) such as going to the dentist or joint tracking disorders which cause biomechanical changes to the TMJ. A very common cause that affects people these days is also prolonged anterior head posture such as looking at computer screens or iphone screens for long periods of time. This can overload small muscle in the front of the neck, which leads to tension traveling into the muscles surrounding the jaw.

The jaw is a complicated joint and it is important that is treated correctly. Prevention is an important part of the treatment of jaw pain. Identifying and removing triggers that lead to jaw clenching and addressing posture imbalances can really help sufferers of jaw pain.

Reference

Simons DG, Travell JG, Simons LS. Travell and Simons’ Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual. Volume 1 Upper Half of Body. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins; 1999.