Treating Jaw Pain

 

Problems with the chewing system, also known as temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD), can be assessed together with your physiotherapist. Jaw pain can stem from or be maintained by a range of factors. These can vary from different oral habits (such as frequently wetting your lips or creating suction with your mouth and cheeks) to stressors, neck issues, or even a recently extracted tooth. The most common conscious and unconscious habits include teeth grinding and/or clenching (bruxism). Often, jaw pain can be relieved or reduced through physiotherapy. Read more about the different causes and treatments for jaw pain, or contact our physiotherapists in Amsterdam.

 
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Causes of Jaw Pain

The causes of jaw pain can vary widely. Often, it’s a combination of muscles, ligaments, and joints that no longer work together effectively. Possible causes of jaw pain include:

The following symptoms fall under the domain of orofacial pain:

  • Pain in the chewing muscles (cheek, temple, and head area)
  • Limitations in opening the mouth, with or without locking symptoms
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Pressure in the ear
  • Neck pain
  • Dizziness
  • Facial pain or altered sensation in the face
  • Difficulty swallowing and noises when opening and closing the mouth (popping or crackling sounds)
  • Grinding/clenching of the jaw

After the initial treatment, your physiotherapist will provide you with several self-mobilization and massage exercises to help relax the chewing muscles and increase mouth opening.

 

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Quick Guide to Jaw Pain

Grinding and Clenching

Common jaw issues often arise from unconscious or habitual grinding and clenching. Gaining insight into factors like sleep hygiene, physical and mental stress, oral habits, and fitness levels can play a key role in managing these issues. Since grinding and clenching are typically influenced by multiple factors, a broad, holistic approach is often recommended.

(Muscle) Tension Around the Jaw

One of the most common jaw complaints is muscle tension. This can be caused by clenching and grinding, but daily stress is also a major factor. Prolonged posture, especially with a suboptimal head and neck position during work, also plays an important role in the development and persistence of this tension.

Reduced Mouth Opening

Increased tension around the jaw can also lead to a reduced ability to open the mouth fully. Additionally, we sometimes see a so-called “swing” in the mouth opening, where the lower jaw moves laterally to the left or right during opening or closing.

Grinding and Clenching

Common jaw issues often arise from unconscious or habitual grinding and clenching. Gaining insight into factors like sleep hygiene, physical and mental stress, oral habits, and fitness levels can play a key role in managing these issues. Since grinding and clenching are typically influenced by multiple factors, a broad, holistic approach is often recommended.

(Muscle) Tension Around the Jaw

One of the most common jaw complaints is muscle tension. This can be caused by clenching and grinding, but daily stress is also a major factor. Prolonged posture, especially with a suboptimal head and neck position during work, also plays an important role in the development and persistence of this tension.

Reduced Mouth Opening

Increased tension around the jaw can also lead to a reduced ability to open the mouth fully. Additionally, we sometimes see a so-called “swing” in the mouth opening, where the lower jaw moves laterally to the left or right during opening or closing.