What Is TMJ Pain and Why Does It Happen?
What Is TMJ Pain and Why Does It Happen?
If you’ve ever felt pain in your jaw, experienced clicking or popping while chewing, or had difficulty opening your mouth wide, you may have experienced TMJ pain. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, and problems in this area are more common than most people realize. Understanding how the joint works and why it can become painful is the first step toward lasting relief.
Understanding the Anatomy of the TMJ
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects your lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of your skull, located just in front of each ear. This small but complex joint allows your jaw to move in multiple directions so you can:
Talk
Chew
Yawn
Swallow
The TMJ is unique because it’s a sliding hinge joint. A small disc of cartilage sits between the jawbone and the skull to help the joint glide smoothly and absorb shock. Surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tendons coordinate the jaw’s movement, while the nerves in the area transmit sensory information—including pain.
When everything works properly, you can move your jaw without even thinking about it. But when something disrupts the harmony of this joint, TMJ dysfunction (sometimes called TMD) can develop.
Common Causes of TMJ Dysfunction
TMJ pain and dysfunction can have many underlying causes, and often it’s a combination of factors rather than a single issue. The most common include:
Muscle tension and overuse
Clenching or grinding your teeth (often at night, called bruxism)
Excessive gum chewing or nail biting
Joint misalignment or disc problems
The cartilage disc can shift or become damaged, causing clicking, locking, or pain
Trauma or injury
A direct hit to the jaw, face, or head
Whiplash injuries that affect the neck and jaw
Posture-related stress
Poor neck and upper back posture can place strain on the jaw joint over time
Arthritis or joint degeneration
Osteoarthritis or inflammatory conditions can wear down the joint surfaces and cartilage
Symptoms to Watch For
TMJ pain isn’t always confined to the jaw. Because the joint is closely linked to the muscles and nerves of the head and neck, symptoms can show up in several ways, including:
Jaw pain, stiffness, or soreness (especially in the morning)
Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing the mouth
Locking of the jaw or difficulty fully opening your mouth
Ear pain, ringing in the ears, or a feeling of fullness without an ear infection
Headaches, facial pain, or pain that radiates to the neck and shoulders
Left untreated, TMJ dysfunction can affect everyday activities like chewing, speaking, and even sleeping.
When to Seek Help
If jaw pain or dysfunction is affecting your daily life, it’s important to seek an evaluation from a professional who understands TMJ mechanics. Physical therapy for TMJ can address both the joint and the surrounding muscles, helping to:
Reduce pain and inflammation
Restore normal jaw function
Prevent long-term joint damage
At True Function Physical Therapy, we specialize in personalized TMJ treatment designed to relieve pain, restore motion, and give you lasting control over your symptoms.
If you are interested in seeking treatment with us, please call or text us at 615-882-4882.
