Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Syndrome is a common condition that affects the jaw joint and the muscles surrounding it. The temporomandibular joint sits just in front of the ear and allows the jaw to open, close and move from side to side. When this joint or the surrounding muscles become irritated, it can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms that affect everyday activities such as eating, talking and yawning.

People experiencing TMJ Syndrome may notice:

• Jaw pain or tightness
• Clicking or popping in the jaw
• Difficulty opening the mouth fully
• Pain when chewing
• Headaches or migraines
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Neck muscle tightness
• Pain that feels similar to a toothache or earache

There are several factors that may contribute to TMJ problems, including stress, anxiety, poor posture, jaw clenching, previous trauma, arthritis or age-related changes within the joint.

Gentle mobility exercises may help improve jaw movement and reduce stiffness. One simple exercise involves slowly opening and closing the mouth through a comfortable range of motion. Another exercise involves slightly opening the jaw and gently moving it from side to side. These movements may help improve mobility and encourage the muscles around the jaw to relax.

In addition to exercises, treatment may also focus on reducing muscle tension around the jaw, neck and upper shoulders, as these areas are often closely connected. Improving posture can also play an important role, particularly for people who spend long periods working at a desk or looking down at phones and devices.

Potential benefits of appropriate TMJ management may include:

• Reduced jaw pain
• Improved mouth opening
• Reduced headaches
• Improved chewing comfort
• Reduced muscle tension
• Improved jaw function

At Spine & Sports Physiotherapy, our Physiotherapists can assess jaw pain and TMJ dysfunction, identify contributing factors and provide personalised treatment, exercises and posture advice to help improve comfort and restore normal jaw movement.