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Jaw & Orofacial Pain Treatment

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Orofacial Pain Treatment

About Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is a flexible, rotating and sliding joint comprised of a ball-shaped condyle covered in fibrocartilage, a fibrous disc, and a socket lined with fibrocartilage (fossa). It also includes ligaments, tendons, blood vessels, and nerves. The fibrous disc acts as a shock absorber and stabilizer, allowing smooth movement between the condyle and the fossa. When you open your jaw, the condyle rotates and slides forward along with the disc.

THE MUSCLES OF MASTICATION

The muscles responsible for chewing, known as the muscles of mastication, connect the mandible (lower jaw) to the maxillae (upper jaw), as well as to the skull and neck. These muscles control various movements of the jaw, including opening, closing, protruding, and shifting side to side, which are essential for speaking, chewing, and swallowing. Additionally, the neck and shoulder muscles support and stabilize the skull on the neck during these jaw functions.

DALL·E 2024 08 31 17.53.50 A detailed anatomical illustration of the human jaw focusing on the temporomandibular joint TMJ in a side view. The image should clearly depict the

TMD SYMPTOMS

  • Headaches (tension or migraine)
  • Pain behind the eyes or blurring of vision
  • Unexplained tooth pain
  • Earaches, congestion or ringing in ears
  • Clicking, popping or grating sound in the jaw joints
  • Limited opening or locking of the jaw
  • Dizziness
  • Pain when chewing
  • Facial pain and/or numbness of face and head
  • Neck and/or throat pain
  • Difficulty in closing the teeth together
  • Tired jaw
  • Hearing loss

TMD CAUSES

  • Poor posture
  • Neck and upper back restriction, tight facial/mouth muscles/myofascial trigger points
  • Trauma or whiplash
  • Your teeth and your bite
  • Clenching or grinding
  • Mouth breathing
  • Parafunctional habits: nail biting, frowning, chewing on pencils, etc.

What conditions can cause jaw and orofacial pain?

Jaw and orofacial pain can come from several structures, not just the TMJ itself. Pain may arise from the jaw joints, the muscles of mastication, the cervical spine, surrounding nerves, teeth, sinuses, salivary glands, or other nearby tissues. That is why a proper assessment is important before starting treatment.

Common causes and contributors may include:

  • Temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
  • Jaw muscle pain and myofascial trigger points
  • Clenching and grinding (bruxism)
  • Disc derangement within the TMJ
  • Jaw joint degeneration or inflammation
  • Neck dysfunction referring pain into the face or jaw
  • Postural strain and mouth breathing
  • Trauma, including whiplash or previous concussion
  • Dental and bite-related overload
  • Headache disorders that overlap with jaw pain

What does a TMJ and orofacial pain assessment include?

What to Expect During Your Assessment

 

At The JawSpine Centre, your assessment is designed to identify the true source of your symptoms rather than focusing only on where the pain is felt.

 

Your examination may include:

  • A detailed health and symptom history
  • Review of jaw pain, locking, clicking, headaches, ear symptoms, and facial pain
  • Assessment of jaw opening, closing, deviation, and range of motion
  • Palpation of the TMJ and muscles of mastication
  • Examination of the neck and upper back for contributing dysfunction
  • Posture and breathing pattern assessment
  • Screening for nerve-related symptoms and other non-musculoskeletal causes
  • Review of any available dental imaging or reports
  • Referral recommendations when advanced imaging or dental/oral surgery evaluation is needed

Signs you should get your jaw pain assessed

When You Should Seek an Assessment

You should consider a professional evaluation if you have:

  • Jaw pain that does not improve
  • Clicking, popping, or grinding with pain
  • Limited opening or a jaw that locks
  • Pain when chewing or yawning
  • Morning jaw soreness or facial tension
  • Frequent headaches with clenching or grinding
  • Ear symptoms with no clear ear infection
  • Neck pain that seems connected to your jaw symptoms
  • A history of trauma to the head, face, or neck
  • Ongoing symptoms despite using a night guard

Our Approach to Jaw & Orofacial Pain Treatment

Treatment is individualized based on the findings of your assessment. Depending on your presentation, your care plan may include:

  • Myofascial release for the muscles of mastication and surrounding tissues
  • Jaw joint mobilization and manual therapy when appropriate
  • Neck and upper back treatment to address contributing dysfunction
  • Postural correction and head-neck-jaw stabilization strategies
  • Neuromuscular re-education and targeted home exercises
  • Guidance on clenching, grinding, and parafunctional habit reduction
  • Adjunctive therapies such as acupuncture, TENS, ultrasound, or laser therapy when clinically appropriate
  • Co-management or referral to dental, medical, or oral surgery providers when needed

When a Referral May Be Recommended

Not all jaw and facial pain should be managed conservatively without further investigation. In some cases, referral for dental evaluation, medical assessment, oral surgery consultation, or advanced imaging may be appropriate.

 

Referral may be considered when there is:

  • Significant limitation in opening
  • Progressive swelling
  • Trauma-related symptoms
  • Persistent numbness or altered sensation
  • Suspected structural joint changes
  • Symptoms not responding as expected
  • Concern for non-musculoskeletal causes of pain

FAQ

Chiropractic care, performed by a licensed TMJ chiropractor, is well recognized as an effective and conservative treatment for musculoskeletal disorders such as TMD and CFP. Chiropractic care aids in identifying and reducing contributing factors to musculoskeletal problems, reduces inflammation, restores function and promotes repair and regeneration of injured tissues.

Myofascial release and massage to involved tissues

Modalities: ultrasound, tens, iontophoresis, laser light, etc.

Acupuncture

Joint manipulation/mobilization

Spinal-head-jaw and tongue posture training

Neuromuscular reduction and exercises

Craniosacral therapy

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