Jaw Pain (TMJ)

Written By Emma Power

The jaw joint is called the Temporo- Mandibular Joint, also known as TMJ for short.

Symptoms can include clicking, difficulty chewing, locking, swelling, pain, and /or headaches.

Contributing factors include:

  • Grinding.

  • Stress/anxiety.

  • Neck tension from computer work.

  • Eating tough foods.

  • Previous injury or dental work (braces).

When treating the jaw, we may also look at surrounding areas such as your neck or upper back. Treatment may aim at releasing tight muscles/joints or strengthening weak areas. This can include:

  • Dry needling to the upper back, neck and/or face.

  • Cupping to upper back.

  • Massage to upper back, neck and head.

  • Gentle releasing to muscles inside the jaw (some of these muscles are located: on the inside of the cheek, outside of teeth near gums, inside of teeth).

  • Manipulation: to upper back and/or neck.

  • Exercises: Stretching and strengthening exercises for the neck and jaw.

Did you know there are ~42 individual facial muscles in the face!

Please don’t hesitate to contact us to answer your questions!

Emma Power
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