Last Updated: 26th of May 2026
Dr Jed Shepherd

What exactly is the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)?

The TMJ or jaw is made is an articulation between the mandible (jaw bone) and the temporal bone (part of the skull/cranium). Two discs cushion the joint allowing a large range of motion.

The TMJ allows for opening and closing movements of our mouth as well as deviation.

 

What Triggers Jaw pain?

Jaw pain typically stems from two broad categories. Understanding which applies to you is the first step toward effective treatment.

what triggers jaw pain

Common Symptoms of Jaw and TMJ Pain

 

  • Pain around the jaw joint or temple
  • Neck pain
  • Headache 
  • Vertigo, tinnitus or dizziness
  • Sensation of fullness in the ear or blocked ear
  • Clicking in or locking jaw with movement
Common Signs of TMJ Disorder

How we Diagnose Your Jaw Pain

Before treating any jaw or TMJ issues, it is very important that your chiropractor has a good understanding of your symptoms.

We will ask questions about what symptoms you are experiencing and for how long as well as what treatment you may have tried in the past. Lifestyle factors are also important to our assessment, such as stress levels, occupation, sleep, diet, alcohol & caffeine intake.

Your chiropractor will then assess the movement of your jaw in different directions, we will feel the jaw to assess for a click as well as examining the jaw muscles. Jaw problems can be affected by posture and neck function so we need to assess holistically to determine what else could be involved in causing your jaw pain.

Our Approach to Jaw Pain

Our approach to jaw pain

As chiropractors we treat jaw pain using a combination of manual therapies, exercise and advice specific to your condition. We will use a variety or soft tissue therapies and dry needling to treat the jaw muscles locally as well is mobilizations and adjustments of the TMJ joint. 

Exercise therapy is an important component and we will typically prescribe exercises addressing jaw posture & relaxation, range of motion and muscle activation and stability.

Looking at the bigger picture and your lifestyle and what other factors could be affecting your jaw pain is also important. In some cases we will recommend consulting with your dentist for an assessment of your bite or to discuss a splint.

 

jaw pain? we are here to help!

Chiropractor and Clinic Co-Owner Dr Jed has a special interest in jaw pain and associated issues. Completing further courses on assessment of management of jaw issues with Dr Russell Mottram (Chiropractor) one of Australia’s leading authorities on conservative treatment of jaw conditions. 

Give our friendly team a call for more information about Jaw Pain Treatment Perth on (08) 6184 8835 or book your initial consultation online today with the button below!

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