Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD): Jaw Pain Explained

What is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)?

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), sometimes called TMJ dysfunction or TMJ disorder, is a condition affecting the jaw joint (TMJ), chewing muscles, and nearby structures. It can cause jaw pain, stiffness, clicking, or locking, making eating, speaking, and yawning difficult.

Nearly 30% of people worldwide experience TMD¹. Women and teenagers are more commonly affected.

Read more: Jaw Pain | TMJ Headache

Why Does TMD Happen?

TMD is multifactorial. Common causes include:

• Jaw overuse such as clenching or teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Posture issues affecting the jaw, neck, and shoulder muscles
• Disc displacement or arthritis in the joint
• Past jaw or facial trauma
• Stress and poor sleep that heighten pain sensitivity²

Read more: Neck Pain | Cervicogenic Dizziness & Vertigo

How is TMD Diagnosed?

A physiotherapist or dentist will:

• Assess jaw movement, mouth opening, and tracking

• Check jaw and neck muscles for tenderness and posture imbalances

• Screen for harmful habits (chewing gum, clenching, nail-biting)

• Refer for imaging if necessary — MRI is the most accurate for disc displacement and joint inflammation⁴

Recent MRI studies show that limited mouth opening strongly links with disc displacement without reduction and osteoarthrosis, while jaw clicking alone is less predictive⁴.

Read more: Headaches | TMJ Headache

Quick Self-Check for TMD

▢ Jaw pain or stiffness when chewing, talking, or yawning
▢ Clicking, popping, or grinding noises in the jaw
▢ Jaw locking or catching when opening or closing
▢ Headaches, ear pain, or neck tension
▢ Teeth grinding or clenching at night
▢ Jaw tightness that worsens with stress or poor sleep

If you ticked several boxes, a physiotherapist or dentist assessment may help.

Read more: Jaw Pain | Neck Pain

Evidence-Based Treatment

Physiotherapy (First-Line)

• Jaw and neck mobility and strengthening exercises

• Postural retraining and habit modification

• Manual therapy for joint and muscle relief

• Stress and sleep management programs³

Self-Care

• Eat softer foods during flare-ups and avoid chewing gum

• Apply heat or ice packs for comfort

• Avoid nail-biting or wide yawning

Dental Support

• Night splints to reduce clenching pressure

• Dental corrections when bite misalignment worsens symptoms¹

Medications

• Short-term anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants, prescribed by your GP or dentist

Advanced Treatments

• Botox: can reduce overactive jaw muscle activity in selected cases

• PRP injections: early studies show potential in reducing TMJ pain

• AI-enhanced MRI: helps detect early joint changes more accurately

• Surgery: rarely required; reserved for severe locking or joint degeneration⁴

When to Seek Care Urgently

• Sudden jaw locking that won’t release

• Trauma with suspected jaw fracture

• Severe swelling, fever, or signs of infection

Read more: TMJ Physiotherapy Treatment

What to Do?

If you’re experiencing jaw pain, clicking, or locking, don’t wait for it to worsen. Most people with Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) improve with early physiotherapy care.

Your physiotherapist can:

• Identify what’s driving your symptoms

• Provide safe jaw and neck exercises

• Help reduce pain and improve function

• Refer you to dental or medical care if required

Taking action early means better results.

 

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FAQs

What causes TMJ dysfunction?
Clenching, grinding, posture problems, arthritis, and stress are common causes.
Read more: Jaw Pain

How do I know if I have TMD?
Jaw pain, clicking, locking, and headaches are typical symptoms. A physiotherapist or dentist can confirm.

Can TMD go away on its own?
Mild cases may settle, but persistent symptoms often need care¹.

What is the best treatment for TMD?
Physiotherapy, self-care, and splints are most effective. Botox or surgery are rarely needed³.

Can stress cause jaw pain?
Yes. Stress worsens clenching and increases muscle tension².
Read more: Neck Pain

What foods should I avoid?
Hard, chewy, or crunchy foods; avoid gum during flare-ups.

Can TMD cause headaches?
Yes, jaw dysfunction commonly contributes to tension headaches.
Read more: Headaches

Can TMD be cured permanently?
Most people improve with physiotherapy and lifestyle changes, though flare-ups may return.

How long does TMD last?
Acute cases may resolve in weeks. Chronic cases often need ongoing management².

When should I see a physio, dentist or doctor?
If you have jaw locking, severe pain, or swelling, seek urgent assessment.

Related Articles

• Jaw Pain – Common causes and treatments.

• TMJ Headache – How TMD triggers headaches.

• Neck Pain – The jaw–neck connection.

• Cervicogenic Dizziness – Jaw and balance explained.

• Dry Needling – Relieve jaw and neck muscle tension.

• Headaches – Physiotherapy care for headaches.

• Mayo Clinic – TMJ disorders – Overview of TMJ causes and treatments.

• NHS – Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) – UK patient guidance.

• PubMed – TMD prevalence systematic review (2025) – Latest global prevalence data.

References

1. Alqutaibi AY, Alhammadi MS, Hamadallah HH, et al. Global prevalence of temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Oral Facial Pain Headache. 2025;39(2):48–65.

2. Armijo-Olivo S, Pitance L, Singh V, et al. Effectiveness of manual therapy and therapeutic exercise for temporomandibular disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis. Phys Ther. 2016;96(1):9–25.

3. Sood R. Effectiveness of non-invasive physiotherapy techniques in managing chronic temporomandibular disorder pain: narrative review. J Oral Maxillofac Anesth. 2025;4:7.

4. Özel Ş, Tunç S, Şenol AU. Association between clinical findings and 3 T MRI features in temporomandibular joint disorders. BMC Oral Health. 2025;25:921.