Jaw Pain!
Brooke Scheurer 06/05/25Jaw pain from TMJ dysfunction (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) can disrupt your day. It affects the joint connecting your jaw to your skull, causing pain, stiffness, and headaches. But don’t worry, with the right care, you’ll return to your usual self in no time.
Where Will I Feel Pain? You’ll likely feel pain near your jaw, ears, or temples. Sometimes, it can even spread to your neck. You may also notice pain when chewing, speaking, or yawning.
What Movements Will Be Tough? If you have TMJ dysfunction, you might struggle with:
- Opening your mouth wide (yawning or eating)
- Chewing tough foods
- Speaking for long periods
Can TMJ dysfunction cause headaches? TMJ dysfunction can sometimes cause headaches, especially tension headaches. This is because tight jaw muscles can send pain to the temples or the back of the head. It’s all connected!
Why Is Rehab Important? Rehab helps reduce pain, strengthen muscles, and improve movement so that you can return to normal activities without discomfort and prevent pain from recurring.
What Should I Do Right After the Pain Starts?
Start with PEACE and LOVE:
- Protection: Rest your jaw—avoid chewing tough foods or clenching.
- Elevation: Relax your jaw and take breaks from talking.
- Avoid anti-inflammatory meds: Let your body heal naturally.
- Compression: Apply a warm compress to reduce tension.
- Education: Learn about TMJ and manage it.
Once the pain eases, focus on LOVE:
- Load: Start gentle jaw exercises.
- Optimal loading: Try exercises to improve mobility.
- Vascularisation: Massage to increase blood flow.
- Exercise: Strengthen your jaw with specific exercises.
How to Modify Jaw Movements: Start slow! Chew softer foods, avoid jaw clenching, and take conversation breaks to reduce strain.
Rehab Exercises: Work on jaw-strengthening exercises prescribed by your osteo like:
- Gentle stretches for flexibility
- Relaxation techniques to reduce tension
- Controlled jaw movements for better function
How can an Osteopath Help? An osteopath can use manual therapy to ease pain, improve movement, and teach exercises to strengthen jaw muscles.
How Long Will Rehab Take? Most TMJ issues improve in 4-6 weeks, but more severe cases and interrupting jaw clenching habits might take longer. Patience is key!
Final Thoughts – TMJ dysfunction can be annoying, but with the proper care and rehab, you’ll be pain-free in no time. Focus on relaxation, gentle exercises, and modifying jaw movements. An osteopath can help you recover and get back to your best self—no headaches or jaw pain!