Jaw Pain & TMJ Disorders
Do you feel pain near the ear, tension in the jaw, or discomfort when opening your mouth or chewing? These symptoms can have different causes, including some temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. A clinical assessment can help clarify your situation and guide appropriate care.
Contact the practice
Have a question about this care? The practice can be reached by phone or WhatsApp.
What symptoms can occur?
TMJ disorders can present in different ways:
- Pain in the jaw or near the ear
- Discomfort or pain while chewing
- Stiffness or limited mouth opening
- Tension in the jaw muscles
- Painful clicking or jaw locking
- Some headaches that may be associated
These symptoms alone do not establish a diagnosis. Pain in the mouth, face or jaw can have other causes.
Painless joint clicking is common and does not necessarily need treatment.
Understanding the temporomandibular joint
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the lower jaw to the skull, just in front of each ear. TMJ refers to the joint itself; temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a group of conditions that can affect the joint, chewing muscles or jaw movement.
What happens during an assessment?
Assessment includes listening to your symptoms and carrying out an appropriate clinical examination. Depending on the findings, the practitioner can guide you towards suitable care.
What approaches may be considered?
Depending on the clinical situation, conservative measures may be considered: personalised advice, changes to certain habits, suitable exercises or muscle-relaxation techniques. Manual techniques or targeted massage may be considered when appropriately indicated.
Learn more
You can also read the practice’s educational post about jaw tension. It provides general information and does not replace a clinical assessment.
View our TMJ educational postFrequently asked questions
- What is the temporomandibular joint?
- It is the joint in front of each ear that connects the lower jaw to the skull and helps the mouth open, close and move.
- Why does my jaw hurt near my ear?
- Pain can have joint, muscle or other causes. An examination helps assess relevant factors without drawing conclusions from symptoms alone.
- Is jaw clicking always a concern?
- No. Painless sounds are common. Seek advice if clicking occurs with pain, locking or limited movement.
- Can massage help ease some tension?
- Some manual techniques may be considered for muscle tension when indicated. They cannot guarantee pain relief and should form part of appropriate care.
- When should I seek advice for jaw pain?
- Seek advice if pain persists, affects eating or mouth opening, or if the jaw locks. Severe or unusual symptoms may need prompt medical attention.
Talk to the practice about your symptoms
Persistent pain, locking or discomfort while chewing deserves an appropriate assessment. Contact the practice to request an appointment.
