Jaw-related problems don’t just show up as jaw pain. They can present as frequent headaches, often felt in the temples or behind the eyes, facial aching, ear pain, or a feeling of fullness, clicking or popping in the jaw, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, and neck and shoulder tension. Some people also experience teeth sensitivity, ringing in the ears, or a sense of tightness and fatigue in the face. These symptoms can be constant or flare up during times of stress.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull, and when it’s not functioning well, it can create a wide range of symptoms that often go unrecognised. There are many potential causes of TMJ dysfunction. One of the most common is jaw clenching or teeth grinding, often when someone is sleeping. Poor posture can also place extra strain on the jaw and surrounding muscles. Other contributing factors may include dental alignment issues, arthritis, or previous injury to the jaw or neck.
Osteopathic treatment offers a holistic, non-invasive approach to relieving headaches associated with TMJ dysfunction. Osteopaths assess how the jaw, neck, and upper body work together, using gentle hands-on techniques to release tension in the jaw muscles, improve joint function, reduce strain in the neck, and restore balance throughout the body.
In addition to treatment, osteopaths provide personalised advice that addresses the underlying causes of jaw tension. This may include guidance on posture, stress, and clenching habits, sleep positioning, and simple exercises to relax and support the jaw. By addressing both the symptoms and their root causes, osteopathic care can help reduce the frequency and intensity of TMJ headaches and support long-term relief.
By Dr Francesca Evans Registered Osteopath
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Gębska, M., Bartosz Dalewski, Łukasz Pałka and Łukasz Kołodziej (2023). Evaluation of the efficacy of manual soft tissue therapy and therapeutic exercises in patients with pain and limited mobility TMJ: a randomized control trial (RCT). Head & Face Medicine, 19(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13005-023-00385-y
Leonie Caroline Voß, Hauke Basedau, Svensson, P. and May, A. (2024). Bruxism, temporomandibular disorders, and headache—a narrative review of correlations and causalities. Pain. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003277
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