TMJ Chiropractor in Victoria BC: What to Know About Jaw Pain

A Practical Guide to TMJ Pain Symptoms, Causes, and Chiropractic Care

If it hurts to open and close your mouth, you might be experiencing TMJ pain. Jaw pain can make everyday things like eating, talking, and even yawning feel like a chore. As a TMJ chiropractor in Victoria, I work with people dealing with jaw pain, and I know how frustrating it can be. Here’s everything you need to know about your symptoms, what may be causing them, and how chiropractic care can help you get back to doing what you love.

Key Takeaways

• What TMJ pain is – Pain in one or both temporomandibular joints, the hinges that connect your lower jaw to your skull just in front of each ear.
• Common signs – Jaw pain, stiffness, limited opening, and painful clicking are common signs. Clicking on its own, without pain, is usually considered normal.
• Start simple – Many TMJ problems settle with conservative care like soft foods, heat or ice, and gentle jaw exercises.
• How a TMJ chiropractor in Victoria can help – Hands-on care and exercise can help improve jaw function and reduce discomfort, and I’m happy to work alongside your dentist when needed.

What Is TMJ Pain? Understanding the Temporomandibular Joint

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. Located in front of the ear and made up of muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and bones, it connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull. Humans have two TMJs, one on either side of the jaw. You can feel them by placing your fingers in front of your ears and opening your mouth. Because both joints connect to the same bone, the lower jaw, they must work together every time you talk, chew, or yawn.

Along with the TMJ, certain facial muscles attached to the lower jaw also control chewing. The TMJ rotates, hinges, and glides. Because this part of the human body is so complex and used so often, problems in this area are common and affect millions of people.

Problems with one or both of your TMJs can show up in a number of ways, including pain (TMJ pain), painful popping, clicking, or locking of the jaw, head and neck pain, facial pain, ear pain, and trouble biting food.

TMJ pain refers to any pain in the jaw joint. If the cause of the pain is persistent, goes untreated, or is due to an issue with the TMJ itself, the terms “TMJ syndrome”, “TMJ disorder”, or “TMJ dysfunction” are used by health care practitioners, and TMJ pain becomes a symptom of these conditions. TMJ pain ranges from mild to severe. It can be temporary, constant, or occur sporadically. Because the TMJ is close to the ear and mouth, TMJ pain can sometimes be mistaken for an earache or toothache.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

A TMJ disorder can show up in a number of ways, including:

• Pain in the jaw
• Pain in the neck or face
• Jaw locking or stiffness
• Painful clicking or popping of the jaw
• Headaches
• Toothaches
• Struggling to open or close your mouth
• Difficulty chewing
• Ringing in the ear
• Hearing loss
• Ear pain
• Swelling of the affected area

Causes of TMJ Pain and Disorders

There are many reasons why you might be experiencing TMJ pain. Habits commonly linked to TMJ pain include clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth in your sleep (bruxism). When the jaw muscles are overworked or too much pressure is put on the joint, pain often follows. In many cases, though, there isn’t one clear cause, and stress and other factors can play a part.

TMJ pain can also be a symptom of:

• A displaced disc inside the jaw joint
• Trauma to the mouth, such as a sporting injury or car accident (if your jaw pain started after a crash, ICBC coverage may apply)
• Hereditary issues or a jaw condition present from birth
• Infection
• Diseases such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or fibromyalgia

Relieving TMJ Pain

There are several options for relieving and treating TMJ pain, depending on its severity and cause. Acute TMJ pain (temporary pain brought on by an injury or related surgery) is short-term and often settles on its own. Chronic TMJ pain (caused by other issues like chronic grinding or clenching of the teeth) can persist for months or years at a time, and can alternate between sharp and dull periods of pain.

For either type of TMJ pain, these simple at-home steps can help ease discomfort:

• Eating soft foods for a while
• Applying warm compresses or ice packs
• Doing gentle jaw movements, like the exercises for TMJ pain I share on our blog
• Gently massaging the jaw muscles yourself
• Noticing and reducing habits like clenching, gum chewing, or nail biting

If your pain doesn’t settle, a chiropractor can help you get to the root of the problem and look into the underlying cause of your TMJ issue.

Isn’t the dentist all I need for TMJ Pain?

A dentist is often a person’s go-to medical professional for jaw pain because it often feels localized in the mouth. In a lot of cases, TMJ pain can be linked to grinding teeth or dental surgery, so dentists definitely play a role in diagnosing and treating many cases of TMJ pain and disorders. For that reason, I’m happy to work with your dentist when needed to ensure any chiropractic treatment I provide is a good fit for you.

The Benefits of Chiropractic Care for TMJ Issues in Victoria

While pain in the facial muscles and TMJ may travel to the neck or shoulders, this isn’t the only reason why people with TMJ pain seek out chiropractic care.

If you’re suffering from TMJ pain and your dentist has ruled out bruxism and other dental issues, such as a side effect of oral surgery, seeing a chiropractor can help you determine the source of the pain while also treating your symptoms.

Experts generally recommend starting with conservative, non-surgical care for TMJ problems, and chiropractic care fits in there. Research suggests manual therapy, where a practitioner uses their hands to work on the joint and surrounding muscles, can improve jaw function and reduce pain.

I was born and raised in Victoria, and I hold a degree in Kinesiology from UVic and a Doctorate in Chiropractic. I take a total-body chiropractic approach, which means looking at your jaw, neck, and posture together so we can address the root cause rather than just chasing symptoms.

Types of Chiropractic Treatments for TMJ Issues

During your visit, I’ll begin with a thorough assessment of your TMJ pain, starting with questions about your symptoms and health history. Chiropractic treatments may include a combination of the following, performed on both sides of the jaw simultaneously or on the affected side only.

• Gentle, manual chiropractic adjustments that can improve movement of the joint
• Myofascial release to relax muscles and soft tissue
• Soft tissue techniques to ease tension and restricted movement in the jaw muscles
• Hands-on soft tissue work on the facial muscles, including the temporalis muscles in the temples
• Assessment of your posture and recommendations for corrections
• Prescribing a series of short stretches for the neck and face, along with home exercises you can do between visits
• Suggesting things you can do to prevent TMJ pain from occurring in the future (ergonomic adjustments and self-care to reduce stress, for example)

Are Chiropractic Treatments for TMJ Painful?

Chiropractic treatment for TMJ may sound intense, but the treatments described above are gentle, and I’ll check in with you throughout so you’re comfortable. Some people notice their jaw moves more easily after a visit, while others improve more gradually. Everyone is different, so I’ll explain what to expect and tailor your care to your needs and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does TMJ pain last?
  It depends on the cause. Many TMJ problems are short-term and settle on their own or with simple care like soft foods and gentle jaw exercises. Others can become long-lasting. After your assessment, I can give you an estimate of what to expect, but everyone heals differently.

• When should I see a doctor or dentist for jaw pain instead of a chiropractor?
  See your doctor or dentist first if your jaw pain comes with a fever, significant swelling, a jaw that’s stuck open, or pain after a hard blow to the face. These can point to an infection, dislocation, or fracture that needs medical care. I’ll also refer you on if your assessment shows chiropractic care isn’t the right fit.

• Is jaw clicking a sign of a TMJ disorder?
  Not always. Clicking or popping without pain is common and is usually considered normal. If the clicking comes with pain, stiffness, or trouble opening your mouth, it’s worth having it checked.

Thinking about seeing a chiropractor for your TMJ pain? 

Dr. Stephanie Louie at Mind Body Spine is a Victoria BC chiropractor who provides focused care for jaw, neck, and TMJ pain for the whole family. Call Mind Body Spine at 250-885-2320 to book a time to come and see Dr. Louie. She sees patients from across Greater Victoria, including Saanich, Oak Bay, and Langford.