Understanding TMJ Dysfunction: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Do you experience jaw pain, clicking when you chew, or tension that radiates to your head or neck? You may be dealing with TMJ dysfunction, a common yet often misunderstood condition affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.
🔎 What Is TMJ Dysfunction?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, the hinge connecting your jawbone to your skull. You have one on each side of your face, just in front of your ears. This joint allows you to speak, chew, and move your jaw smoothly.
TMJ dysfunction (also called TMD) refers to issues within the joint itself, the muscles that control it, or the surrounding fascia and connective tissues. These dysfunctions can create pain, limited movement, and a range of related symptoms.
⚠️ Common Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction:
Jaw pain or tenderness, especially when chewing or speaking
Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening the mouth
Limited jaw mobility or "locking" open or shut
Facial pain or pressure
Headaches, especially near the temples
Earaches or a feeling of fullness in the ears (without infection)
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Neck, shoulder, or upper back tension
Clenching or grinding teeth (bruxism)
Dizziness or imbalance in some cases
🔍 What Causes TMJ Dysfunction?
There’s no single cause of TMJ dysfunction—often, it’s a combination of factors that stress the jaw joint and surrounding tissues. Common contributors include:
Jaw misalignment or dental issues
Teeth grinding or clenching (often linked to stress)
Trauma or injury to the jaw or head
Postural imbalances (like forward head posture)
Arthritis or joint degeneration
Chronic muscle tension in the head, neck, or shoulders
Emotional stress, which often manifests physically in the jaw and facial muscles
🧠 Why TMJ Dysfunction Affects More Than Just the Jaw
The TMJ is part of a complex network involving the skull, cervical spine, cranial nerves, and facial muscles. When this system is out of balance, it can cause widespread discomfort—not just in the jaw, but also in the head, neck, and even the auditory system, which is why tinnitus is a common symptom.
That’s why many clients with TMJ dysfunction benefit from a collaborative care approach involving dental professionals, chiropractic care, physical therapy, and manual therapies like CranioSacral Therapy (CST) and Osteopathic Manual Therapy (OMT). These modalities work together to relieve structural restrictions, improve alignment, and reduce nervous system irritation.
🧰 Resources and Professional Guidance
If you're experiencing TMJ symptoms, it’s important to get a comprehensive assessment. You may benefit from a multidisciplinary plan involving:
Your dentist or orofacial pain specialist
Manual therapists (CST, OMT)
Chiropractors and physical therapists
Stress-reduction strategies and bodywork
Learn more through these trusted resources:
👐 Relief Is Possible
At Avalon Wellness & Performance, we specialize in gentle, targeted techniques like CranioSacral Therapy and OMT to help release jaw tension, restore mobility, and reduce pain. These sessions address not only the local symptoms but the root causes contributing to dysfunction.
If jaw pain, tinnitus, or facial tension is interfering with your quality of life, we’re here to help you find relief—with hands that listen, not just treat.
📍 Book a TMJ-focused assessment today or contact us to learn more about how we support TMJ health naturally and holistically.
