TMJ & Jaw Pain

Jaw clicking. Tension across the cheek and temple. Headaches that hit at the jaw line. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most-used joints in the body — and when it's out of balance, it can cause a surprising amount of pain and dysfunction.

What is TMJ pain?

The TMJ connects the jaw to the skull and is involved in every bite, swallow, yawn and word. Common TMJ issues include muscle tightness in the jaw and chewing muscles, joint restriction, clicking or popping with movement, jaw deviation when opening, and referred pain into the head, neck, ear and face.

TMJ pain is often linked to clenching, grinding (bruxism, especially at night), stress, dental work, posture (forward head posture overloads the jaw muscles), or trauma. Treatment usually needs to address multiple contributors, not just the joint itself.

How chiropractic care can help

We assess the TMJ alongside the upper neck, jaw muscles, posture and bite. We look at how the joint moves, where it's restricted, and what's driving the dysfunction.

Treatment can include gentle TMJ mobilisation and adjustment, intra-oral and extra-oral muscle release, upper neck adjustments (the upper neck and TMJ are tightly linked), dry needling for the chewing muscles, and posture work. We often work alongside your dentist where there's a bite or grinding component.

Why Palm Beach Chiropractic

TMJ work is a niche area. Our chiropractors are trained in TMJ assessment and treatment and can work alongside your dentist or other practitioners as needed.

Areas we service

We see locals from across the southern Gold Coast — including Palm Beach, Burleigh Heads, Elanora, Tugun, and Currumbin.