Jaw pain and TMD: symptoms, causes and treatment

TMD stands for temporomandibular disorder. The term covers pain in the chewing muscles or the jaw joint, limited movement in the jaw and sounds from the joint during movement [1][2]. The symptoms can be temporary, come and go, or last for a longer time [2].

The condition is common, especially among adults between 20 and 40 years of age, and it affects women more often than men [1]. Most people with signs of TMD do not seek medical care [1].

The symptoms vary from person to person, and they can occur separately or together [3]. The most commonly described are:

• pain in the jaw, face or temple, which gets worse when opening, closing and chewing [1][2]
• headache, and in some cases pain that radiates towards the ear [1][2]
• popping or clicking from the jaw joint, reduced ability to open the mouth and occasionally the jaw locking [1][2]
• ear-related symptoms such as a blocked feeling in the ear, dizziness and tinnitus, as well as neck symptoms [1]

Jaw sounds alone usually do not need treatment [1], and they are so common that they do not reliably predict later symptoms [2]. You can also have reduced mobility or sounds without having pain [3].

There is rarely one single explanation. Several factors can play a part at the same time [1][2]. Stress and tense use of the jaw muscles are mentioned, as are clenching and grinding of the teeth, particularly at night. Injuries to the jaw, arthritis and wear in older people are other possible causes [1][2].

Incorrect tooth position rarely explains the symptoms, and correcting the bite has little effect on the pain [1][2]. Many people with TMD also have pain in the neck or other parts of the body [2]. For long-standing symptoms a biopsychosocial explanatory model is used, where physical, psychological and social factors are seen together [1].

The assessment is based on a conversation and a clinical examination. You are asked when the symptoms began, where it hurts, previous injuries and your general life situation [1]. The chewing muscles and the jaw joint are felt over, and it is assessed whether the opening is smooth and symmetrical [2]. Maximum mouth opening can be measured, and is normally between 40 and 60 millimetres between the front teeth [2].

Imaging with X-ray, CT or MRI is used only in selected cases [1][2]. Examining the bite often has little significance in the assessment [2].

Conservative treatment is the first choice [2]. Often it is enough to receive information that the condition is benign and that many improve [2]. Information and counselling, relaxation of the chewing muscles and general physical activity are described as central measures, particularly for long-standing symptoms [1][3].

Self-care can include soft food, avoiding heavy chewing, wide yawning and chewing gum, as well as heat and massage [2][3][4]. It is also recommended to let the jaw rest with a little space between the teeth, so that they only touch each other when eating [3].

Jaw exercises, stretching and opening exercises are described as useful, particularly for long-standing symptoms [2]. A physiotherapist can guide exercises and mobilisation [1], and cognitive behavioural therapy can be considered for long-standing symptoms [1].

A dentist can consider an occlusal splint in special cases. It is used as a supplement to exercises and is not the first choice [1][2]. Grinding down the teeth to relieve TMD is advised against [2]. Medication can be used for short periods after assessment by a doctor or dentist [1][2]. Surgery is considered only for significant symptoms that have not improved with conservative treatment [1][2].

The course is rarely progressive, and the prognosis is generally described as good [2]. According to Lægehåndbogen, about half are better after one year, and around 85 percent are free of symptoms after three years [2]. NHI writes that stress management or resting the jaw can give improvement within a few days [1].

The longer the symptoms have lasted, and the more treatments that have had no effect, the lower the probability that new measures will help [1]. The prognosis is poorer when other physical or psychological problems are present at the same time [2].

A dentist should be contacted in case of sudden changes in the ability to open the mouth, or with pain in the temple, the jaw or in front of the ear [3]. For persistent or major symptoms, assessment by a dentist is recommended, preferably one with particular experience of TMD [2]. You can also raise it with your GP if you think you have TMD [4]. The dentist assesses jaw function at a regular dental check-up [3].

A chiropractor can go through your history, examine the jaw, neck and chewing muscles, and assess whether you should be referred on, for example to a dentist or doctor. The symptoms are often linked with the neck and headache, and this can be taken into the assessment. You can read more about jaw pain and about chiropractic care.

What does TMD mean?

TMD is an abbreviation for temporomandibular disorder. It is a collective term for pain and functional problems in the chewing muscles and the jaw joint [1][2].

Do jaw pains go away by themselves?

Many improve on their own. According to Lægehåndbogen, about half are better after one year [2]. How long it takes varies, and the symptoms can return [1][2].

Do I need to do anything when my jaw pops or clicks?

Jaw sounds alone usually do not need treatment [1]. Contact a dentist if the sounds are accompanied by pain, or if the ability to open the mouth changes suddenly [3].

Can stress cause jaw pain?

Stress and tense use of the jaw muscles are mentioned among the factors that can play a part, together with clenching and grinding of the teeth [1][2]. The cause is rarely one single thing [2].

Who should I see about jaw pain?

A dentist and a doctor are described as the first point of contact in the sources [2][3][4]. With us, a chiropractor can examine the jaw, neck and chewing muscles and assess whether you should be referred on.

The page about jaw pain describes the symptoms in more detail, and the page about cervicogenic headache covers headache that originates in the neck. You can find more articles in the overview of articles.

This article was written by Dr.Dropin Fysikalske and is based on the sources listed below. It gives general information and does not replace an examination by a healthcare professional.

The websites were accessed and read on 22 October 2026.

1. Kjevesmerter (temporomandibular disorder, TMD). NHI.no. Last updated 8 March 2024. Link

2. Baad-Hansen L. Temporomandibulær dysfunktion (TMD). Lægehåndbogen, sundhed.dk. Professionally updated 26 May 2025. Link

3. Jensen SS. Temporomandibulær dysfunktion (TMD). Patienthåndbogen, sundhed.dk. Updated 25 May 2025. Link

4. Patient information: Temporomandibular disorders. American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American Family Physician. January 2023. Link