Hein Viljoen
Physiotherapy
Have you ever experienced jaw pain when chewing, talking, or yawning? Discomfort in the jaw joint – known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) – can affect many aspects of daily life, often without a clear cause. What surprises many people is how closely jaw pain is linked to the neck. Understanding this connection is key to effective treatment, especially if you are considering physiotherapy for jaw pain.
The temporomandibular joint, located just in front of your ears, is the hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. It plays a vital role in speaking, eating, and facial expressions. When the joint or surrounding muscles become irritated or imbalanced, it can lead to a condition known as TMJ dysfunction (TMD).
Common symptoms include:
Your jaw and neck do not function in isolation – they are part of a complex, interconnected system. The muscles that control jaw movement (like the masseter and temporalis) are closely linked to those in your neck and upper back. Poor posture, especially forward head posture (think slouching over a phone or laptop), can place extra strain on these muscles.
When your neck is tight, it can change how your jaw moves. Likewise, jaw clenching or grinding – especially at night – can lead to tension in the neck and shoulders. It is unfortunately a two-way street: pain or dysfunction in one area can easily cause issues in the other.
It is important to take a holistic approach to jaw pain. Treating only the jaw without addressing the neck and posture often leads to temporary relief but not long-term results. That is why physiotherapy for jaw pain focuses on the entire head, neck, and jaw complex.
The treatment approach may include:
If your jaw pain is persistent, interfering with daily activities, or accompanied by neck pain or headaches, it is worth seeing a physiotherapist. TMJ-related symptoms often worsen over time if left untreated – and because the jaw, neck, and upper back are so closely connected, the discomfort can spread or become more complex. You may notice increased stiffness in your neck, muscle fatigue when chewing, or even ringing in your ears (tinnitus), all of which can be related to TMJ dysfunction.
At Hein Viljoen Physiotherapy, we begin with a comprehensive assessment that examines how your jaw moves, how your neck and shoulders function, and any lifestyle habits — such as posture, teeth grinding, or stress — contribute to your symptoms. We will then work with you to identify the root causes of your pain and build a personalised treatment plan that supports long-term recovery and prevents future flare-ups.
Jaw pain can be a real pain in the neck – literally. Let us take care of it.
Contact us to schedule an appointment.
