Why Does My TMJ Hurt? Common Causes of Jaw Pain

Jaw pain can be frustrating -especially when it starts affecting eating, talking, yawning or even sleeping.

Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw to your skull. When this joint or the surrounding muscles become irritated, you may experience pain, clicking, stiffness or difficulty opening your mouth.

Common Causes of TMJ Pain

TMJ symptoms can be linked to:

• Teeth grinding or jaw clenching
• Stress and muscle tension
• Overuse from chewing gum
• Hard or chewy foods
• Jaw injury
• Tight jaw muscles
• Reduced or uneven jaw movement

Some people also notice headaches, facial tension or pain around the ear.

When Should You Get It Checked?

Occasional painless clicking is common, but it is worth seeking advice if you have:

• Persistent jaw pain
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Pain when chewing
• Jaw locking
• Frequent headaches
• Increasing stiffness or clicking with pain

Don’t Ignore Ongoing Jaw Pain

TMJ problems are often easier to manage when the contributing factors are identified early.

At Southgate Physio, we can assess your jaw movement, muscle tension and related symptoms and provide an individual management plan.

Struggling with TMJ pain? Book an assessment with Southgate Physio and take the first step towards a more comfortable jaw.