If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve experienced jaw pain or are dealing with it right now and want to know how to fix it. You’re in the right place. As a chiropractor serving Orange County for over 20 years, I see many patients with jaw pain—often they don’t realize it’s connected to other areas of their body. Jaw pain is rarely just about the jaw!
In this blog, we’ll cover:
- Why jaw pain occurs
- Jaw pain and ergonomics
- Dental procedures and jaw pain
- Jaw pain and headaches
- Self-care and TMJ treatment
- Jaw pain exercises
Why Jaw Pain Occurs
Sometimes your jaw isn’t the real source of the pain. Musculoskeletal issues often show up away from the problem area. For jaw pain, trauma (like dental work) can contribute, but often it’s linked to postural imbalances like a head tilt or forward head posture.
Jaw Anatomy & Ergonomics
The TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) is where your lower jaw meets your skull. Muscles that commonly contribute to jaw pain include:
- Masseter
- Buccinator
- Sternocleidomastoid (SCM)
Imbalances in the neck, especially a tight SCM, can tilt your head and affect jaw function. Daily posture habits—like looking at monitors or phones—can overwork one side of your neck, pulling on the TMJ and contributing to pain.
Buccinator (Right)
Superficial Masseter (Right)
Sternocleidomastoid (SCM)
Ergonomics matter. Adjusting your workspace reduces postural stress and helps prevent worsening jaw pain. While it won’t solve everything, it works with your treatment instead of against it.
Dental Procedures and Jaw Pain
Long dental procedures often require keeping your mouth open for extended periods. Numbing, positioning, and tool use can strain jaw muscles and ligaments, sometimes causing TMJ discomfort the next day.
Dental work doesn’t directly cause jaw issues but can be a contributing factor. Post-procedure, gentle exercises, self-massage, and proper neck alignment are key.
Can Jaw Pain Cause Headaches?
Jaw pain and headaches often go hand-in-hand. Most headaches linked to TMJ issues are cervicogenic—originating from neck imbalances. Muscle tension in the neck and jaw, posture, and lifestyle habits all contribute.
Addressing TMJ dysfunction can reduce headaches and improve overall posture.
Jaw Self-Care & TMJ Treatment
Temporary fixes like injections, dental devices, or pain meds don’t address the root cause. Treatment should focus on:
- Improving posture and ergonomics
- Limiting device use
- Self-massage over the jaw, cheekbones, and near the ear
- Neck mobilization or chiropractic adjustments before and after dental visits
Chiropractors and dentists work closely on TMJ issues, but proper care requires experience. Chiropractors focus on neck adjustments and jaw mobilization, not “popping” the jaw. Adjustments stimulate the nervous system, helping your body re-coordinate movement patterns.
Adjustments help but the ‘message’ that is focused on after the nervous system stimulation better be profound and on target. This message always, regardless of the problem being jaw pain or anything else, has to be in terms of postural neurology and functional movement when it comes to musculoskeletal and postural issues. I will get into it a little bit later but make sure you pause and read on those two very important topics now because chances are if you have jaw pain and TMJ dysfunction you have other issues that should be addressed now and before it is too late.
There is also mobilization of the jaw joint that is done through the principles of Active Release Technique or ART. You can read more about ART and watch a video of this treatment done on a patient below:
Functional Movement Exercises for TMJ Dysfunction
Jaw pain often stems from dysfunctional movement patterns. Correcting this involves Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) and postural neurology. These exercises retrain the muscles to work in proper sequence and harmony with the rest of the body.
Effective jaw pain exercises don’t isolate just the jaw—they target the neck, shoulders, upper back, and shoulder blades. The goal is to restore proper posture and coordinated movement.
- Stretch tight muscles, strengthen weak muscles
- Focus on head and neck alignment
- Follow functional movement principles, not just resistance exercises
Here’s a a great example:
Make sure you visit my Youtube Channel for more!
Don’t Live With Jaw Pain
Finding the right care is key. Generic solutions rarely work long-term. A treatment plan that addresses posture, neurology, and functional movement will give you the best chance at lasting relief.
If you have jaw pain, TMJ dysfunction, or related headaches, contact me to get a personalized evaluation and treatment plan.
Dr.Shakib
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