TMJ pain refers to discomfort in the temporomandibular joint, located just in front of each ear, where the jawbone connects to the skull. Pain may occur with everyday tasks like chewing, talking, yawning, or even smiling.

TMJ pain can be caused by a range of issues including jaw injury, teeth grinding (bruxism), arthritis, stress, poor posture, or habitual behaviors like nail biting, chewing on objects, or clenching the jaw. Muscle tension and inflammation are common contributors.

Symptoms may include:

• Jaw pain or tenderness

• Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds

• Difficulty opening or closing the mouth

• Headaches and facial pain

• Neck (cervical spine) discomfort

• Pain while chewing or yawning

• Locking of the jaw

TMJ symptoms often overlap with other issues, so an accurate diagnosis is key.

Diagnosis begins with a thorough physical exam of the jaw and cervical spine, along with a full review of your dental, medical, sleep, and airway history. In some cases, imaging such as a Cone Beam CT scan or MRI may be recommended to assess the joint and surrounding structures.

Most TMJ conditions respond well to conservative care. Treatment may include:

• Applying heat or ice

• Eating soft foods (a good rule: if you can cut it with a fork, it’s soft enough)

• Postural and relaxation techniques

• Avoiding elective dental work during recovery

• Physical therapy and hands-on manual therapy

• Natural supplements or over-the-counter medication

• Possibly an oral appliance

The key takeaway: most TMJ patients respond well to conservative care. Surgery should always be the last resort.

Yes—stress can cause clenching, grinding, and muscle tension that lead to or worsen TMJ pain. Interestingly, some medications used to treat stress, anxiety, or depression can also increase jaw muscle activity. (See our related blog post for more info.)

While not always "curable," TMJ pain is highly manageable. Most cases resolve or improve significantly with expert-guided conservative care. Rare cases involving fractures, tumors, or severe joint degeneration may require more advanced interventions.

Yes. Specific jaw exercises, gentle stretches, and postural correction routines can help restore mobility and reduce pain. However, exercises should only be done under the guidance of a provider trained in treating TMJ disorders to avoid worsening the condition.

It depends on the severity, cause, and how early it’s treated. Many patients feel significant relief within a few weeks to months. In more complex cases, it may take 6 to 12 months to reach a stable, long-term improvement.