TMJ Disorders: Symptoms, Assessment and Conservative Care
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw to the base of your skull, just in front of each ear. It lets you talk, chew, yawn and move your jaw from side to side. Like other joints, the jaw joint, the small disc inside it, and the muscles and ligaments around it can become painful or restricted. This guide explains what TMJ disorders can feel like, when to seek assessment, and what conservative (non-surgical) care can and can't do.
Common symptoms
TMJ disorders can include:
- Pain in the jaw, face or in front of the ear, often worse with chewing or clenching
- Sounds such as clicking, popping or grating when opening or closing the mouth
- Limited, uneven or stiff jaw opening
- Locking — the jaw catching open or closed
- Headaches felt near the temples or the side of the head
- Jaw or facial muscle tiredness, especially after meals or on waking
Symptoms vary widely and often come and go. Jaw sounds without pain or limitation are common and frequently do not require treatment.
When to seek prompt assessment
Contact your dentist, physician or our clinic if symptoms are persistent, worsening or limiting daily activities. Seek prompt assessment — and consider urgent care for sudden neurological signs — if you experience:
- Sudden numbness, tingling or weakness in the face
- A jaw that locks and will not open or close, especially if it does not release
- Pain or limitation following a fall, blow to the face or whiplash
- Sudden changes in your bite, or difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Severe, persistent or worsening pain
This list is not exhaustive; when in doubt, contact a healthcare provider.
What an assessment involves
A first TMJ assessment typically includes:
- History — when symptoms began, triggers, clenching or grinding habits, stress, head and neck history, dental history
- Jaw examination — measuring how wide you can open, watching for symmetry, and gently feeling (palpating) the jaw muscles
- Cervical spine and posture — assessing neck movement and head position, because the jaw and neck are closely linked
- Discussion of findings — what is likely happening, what may be contributing, and whether imaging or referral is needed
Imaging is not always required. It is requested only when the assessment suggests it would change care.
Conservative care options
Care is selected from your assessment and preferences, not a fixed protocol. Options that may be discussed include:
- Education and activity modification — resting the jaw, modifying chewing habits, avoiding extremes of opening
- Specific jaw and neck exercises
- Manual therapy and soft-tissue work to the jaw and neck muscles
- Contemporary medical acupuncture, where appropriate
- Advice on clenching, grinding, sleep and posture
What this care is not
- It does not "realign the jaw" in a way that can be guaranteed.
- There is no set, universal number of visits. Some people benefit from a few sessions; others manage well with self-care exercises alone.
- Outcomes vary and are never guaranteed.
- Our goal is to reduce pain and improve function, and to refer when a concern is outside the scope of chiropractic care.
Evidence and clinical opinion
To be honest about what is well established versus clinical decision-making:
Established / widely recognised
- The Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) is a validated set of history and examination criteria used to classify common TMJ disorders.
- The American Academy of Orofacial Pain provides widely referenced guidance on assessment and management of orofacial pain.
Clinical opinion (this clinic)
- The specific combination of jaw and neck treatment, acupuncture and exercises for an individual is based on assessment and experience, not a single standard rule.
Looking for care?
If jaw pain, clicking, locking or related headaches are affecting your day, an assessment can help clarify what is happening and what options may suit you. Read about TMJ treatment at Union Health Network.
Author: Dr. Shahab Entezami, DC • Clinical reviewer: Dr. Shahab Entezami, DC • Published: July 17, 2026 • Updated: July 17, 2026