Ever yawned too wide and felt like your jaw was trying to escape?
Or noticed a clicking or popping sound whenever you chew or talk? That could be your TMJ – the temporomandibular joint – letting you know it’s not happy.
This small but essential joint, located just in front of your ears, connects your jaw to your skull. It allows you to eat, speak, yawn and even sing your favourite tunes. But when it’s not functioning well, the discomfort can affect far more than just your jaw.
Common symptoms of TMJ dysfunction include clicking or popping, pain in the jaw or face, tightness, or even a jaw that locks open or shut. The pain may extend to your neck, ears or temples and frequent headaches – particularly around the eyes – are not uncommon. Chewy foods can become a challenge and simple tasks like talking or laughing may trigger discomfort.
So, what causes this? Often, it’s a mix of stress, poor posture and habits like teeth grinding or jaw clenching. Many people clench their jaw unconsciously – while sitting in traffic or hunched over a laptop. Ideally, your lips should rest gently together, teeth slightly apart and tongue resting on the roof of your mouth. Night-time grinding is another culprit, contributing to enamel damage and jaw strain.
Posture plays a role too. Hours spent looking down at a phone or slouched over a desk can misalign your head and jaw, putting extra pressure on the joint.
The good news? You don’t have to live with TMJ pain. Physiotherapy offers a gentle, non-invasive solution. A physiotherapist can relieve muscle tension, restore movement, and help identify the root causes of your symptoms. Treatment may include manual therapy, targeted exercises, postural advice, and stress management techniques. In some cases, they may refer you to a dentist for a bite plate to reduce teeth grinding.
If your jaw clicks more than your computer mouse, or if chewing has become a chore, it’s time to seek help. With the right care, you can get back to pain-free talking, eating – and yawning – in no time.
