However, the cause is not always immediately clear. Sometimes a complaint develops gradually, while others suddenly experience pain or tension around the jaw.
What are jaw complaints?
Jaw complaints often arise from overuse of the jaw joint or the chewing muscles. Common causes include clenching, grinding, stress, chewing gum, neck tension, or poor posture.
Jaw complaints are complaints related to:
- the jaw joint, right in front of your ear;
- the chewing muscles in the cheek, temple, and angle of the jaw;
- surrounding areas such as the neck, head, shoulders, and ear region.
Sometimes it feels like clear jaw pain. Sometimes it looks more like an earache, headache, or tension in the neck. As a result, it is not always immediately clear that the jaw is the source of the complaint.
Jaw complaint symptoms: how do you recognize them?
Many people with jaw complaints recognize one or more of these signs:
- jaw pain when chewing, talking or yawning;
- jaw joint pain, usually right in front of the ear;
- a tense or tired jaw muscle;
- clicking, snapping, or creaking when opening or closing;
- difficulty opening the mouth wide;
- headache at the temples;
- neck or shoulder tension;
- nagging pain in jaw and ear;
- a feeling that the jaw is locking up or not moving smoothly.
Cause of jaw complaints: where does jaw pain come from?
Often there is no single clear cause. Jaw complaints usually arise from a combination of factors. Consider, for example:
- teeth grinding or jaw clenching
- stress or tension
- prolonged tension in the jaw muscles
- overload of the jaw joint
- a changed position of the neck or head
Your teeth should be loose when at rest. However, many people clench unconsciously, especially during work, driving, or while concentrating. As a result, the chewing muscles remain active. In the long term, this can lead to jaw muscle pain, pain in the jaw joint or radiating pain towards the ear and temple.
When to seek help for jaw problems?
Make an appointment with a physiotherapist if your jaw pain persists for longer than 1–2 weeks, the symptoms keep recurring, eating, talking, or yawning remains limited, your jaw locks regularly, you feel a lot of tension in your jaw, neck, and shoulders, or if you continue to have a nagging pain in your jaw and ear.
How jaw physiotherapy helps at Fysi
At Fysi, we start with a personal examination of your jaw, neck, shoulders, posture, and habits such as clenching or grinding. We then explain what is likely the cause of your symptoms. We work cause-oriented with a treatment plan tailored to your situation, aimed at reducing pain and preventing recurring issues. Treatment may consist of explanation, jaw exercises, improving mobility, relaxation exercises, and advice on strain and habits. Read more about what a jaw physiotherapist does.
Frequently asked questions about jaw complaints
Jaw complaints often arise from overuse of the jaw muscles or jaw joint. Clenching, grinding, stress, chewing gum, posture, and neck tension often play a role.
Yes. A nagging pain in the jaw and ear is common because the jaw joint, chewing muscles, and ear region are located close together.
Gentle exercise, soft foods, warmth, relaxation of the chewing muscles, and avoiding clenching can help. If the pain persists, an examination is advisable.
If jaw complaints persist for longer than 1–2 weeks, recur, or restrict your mouth opening, eating, or talking.
Schedule an appointment at Fysi
Do you have jaw complaints, jaw pain, or a dull ache in your jaw and ear? Schedule an appointment at Fysi. We investigate the cause and help you with a personalized treatment plan aimed at sustainable recovery. Discover how. jaw physiotherapy can help you.