tmj pain Treatment in Pickering
Move past jaw pain. Restore comfort. Elevate your everyday.
You might’ve heard ‘I have TMJ’ often times, we’re referring to jaw pain or dysfunction that happens within the jaw joint. Temporomandibular Joint dysfunction refers to irritation or imbalance within the temporomandibular joint - the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. When this joint, or the surrounding muscles, become tight, misaligned, or overloaded, it can cause pain, clicking, headaches, ear pressure, or difficulty opening and closing the jaw.
What is TMJ Dysfunction?
Common Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction
Pain when chewing or yawning
Jaw clicking, popping, or grinding
Difficulty opening your mouth fully
Jaw locking (open or closed)
Headaches or migraines
Tension in the temples, face, neck, or shoulders
Tooth sensitivity without dental cause
Ear fullness, ringing, or dizziness
Why Does TMJ pain or Dysfunction Happen?
TMJ issues often develop due to a combination of:
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Clenching or grinding from stress can overload the jaw muscles and TMJ, leading to pain, tightness, and headaches.
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Neck and upper back tension can alter jaw mechanics, increasing stress on the TMJ and causing pain or stiffness.
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Poor posture can shift the head and neck forward, increasing strain on the jaw and contributing to TMJ pain.
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Past injuries to the jaw can disrupt normal TMJ movement and lead to ongoing pain or stiffness.
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Imbalances in the jaw or neck muscles can overload the TMJ and contribute to pain or dysfunction.
The good news is that many jaw and TMJ-related issues can be managed with a conservative, movement-based approach.
At Plus Ultra Performance & Therapy, our Pickering chiropractors assess the jaw by examining movement quality, muscle balance, and joint function. Treatment may include joint mobilization, soft tissue therapy, intra-oral soft tissue techniques, and individualized exercise prescription to help restore proper jaw mechanics and reduce irritation.
Because jaw dysfunction is often influenced by surrounding regions, our chiropractors may also assess the neck, shoulders, and upper back to identify contributing factors to jaw stiffness, clicking, or discomfort.
When appropriate, your chiropractor may recommend collaborative care with our registered massage therapists or physiotherapists to support muscle relaxation, tissue recovery, and long-term management of jaw-related symptoms.