Jaw, facial & tooth pain
Pain in the jaw, face or around the teeth is relatively common and can be distressing when it persists. Symptoms may include aching, sharp pain, clicking or popping in the jaw, restricted movement, facial tension or discomfort that feels like tooth pain despite no obvious dental cause.
One common area involved in jaw pain is the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jaw to the skull. The TMJ works closely with the muscles of the jaw, face, neck and upper back and problems rarely occur in isolation.
Jaw pain is often associated with muscle overactivity, tension or imbalance around the joint. In some people, increased jaw muscle activity can affect how smoothly the joint moves and may be linked with clicking, stiffness or episodes of locking. Ligament laxity and altered control of the joint can also play a role for some individuals.
A very common contributing factor is jaw clenching or teeth grinding, either during sleep or during the day. Many people are unaware that they clench their jaw, particularly when concentrating or under stress. Ongoing jaw tension can also contribute to neck and upper back discomfort, headaches and facial pain, which is why assessment often looks beyond the jaw alone.
Osteopathic assessment and care
Osteopathic assessment for jaw, facial and tooth pain considers how the jaw joint, facial muscles, neck and upper back are working together. Posture, breathing patterns, stress and habitual jaw use are also relevant factors.
Treatment may involve hands-on techniques to ease muscle tension, support joint movement and improve coordination around the jaw and upper neck. In some cases, gentle intra-oral techniques may be appropriate. Where relevant, patients may also be advised to seek dental input, particularly if a dental appliance such as a night guard may be helpful.
Osteopathic care does not replace dental assessment but may be useful where musculoskeletal tension and joint strain are contributing to symptoms.
If you’d like more detail, you may find this article helpful, which explores jaw tension, facial pain and trigger points in more depth:
Tooth and facial pain – explanation and treatment.
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