TMJ and Jaw Pain Chiropractic Care in Victoria Park, Perth
Jaw pain and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction are common reasons people seek care at our Victoria Park clinic. While many people associate jaw pain with dental problems, symptoms are often influenced by a combination of muscular tension, joint irritation, posture, stress, and movement patterns throughout the head, neck, and upper body.
In many cases, jaw discomfort develops gradually rather than from a single injury. Everyday habits such as teeth grinding, clenching, prolonged desk work, stress, and poor posture can all place additional strain on the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.
At Freeman Chiropractic, we don't only focus on the jaw itself. We assess how the jaw, neck, upper back, and surrounding muscles are functioning together, as these areas often influence one another and may contribute to ongoing symptoms.
Is jaw pain, clicking or clenching affecting your day?
Book an assessment with Dr Alex or Dr Joel – no GP referral needed, and private health rebates are available on most extras policies. Prefer to talk? Call 0493 290 505.
Why do I have jaw pain?
Jaw pain can develop for many different reasons. While some people notice symptoms after dental work, injury, or trauma, many cases arise gradually due to repetitive stress and muscle tension.
Common contributing patterns we see in practice include:
Teeth grinding (bruxism) or jaw clenching
Increased stress and muscle tension
Poor posture, particularly with prolonged desk work
Reduced movement in the neck and upper back
Previous head, neck, or jaw injuries
Repetitive chewing habits
Sleep-related jaw tension
Joint irritation within the TMJ
A common finding is that jaw pain is not always isolated to the jaw itself. Restrictions through the neck, upper back, and surrounding muscles can influence how the jaw moves and functions over time.
What is TMJ dysfunction?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jaw to the skull and helps with speaking, chewing, yawning, and everyday jaw movement.
TMJ dysfunction refers to irritation, restriction, or altered function of the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Symptoms can vary significantly between individuals and may affect one or both sides of the jaw.
What are the common types of TMJ and jaw pain?
TMJ and jaw-related symptoms can present in several ways depending on the structures involved.
Jaw Joint Pain
Discomfort directly around the jaw joint, particularly when chewing, talking, or opening the mouth.
Jaw Clicking or Popping
Clicking, popping, or grinding sensations during jaw movement which may be associated with altered joint mechanics.
Jaw Muscle Tension
Tightness or tenderness in the jaw muscles, often related to clenching, grinding, or stress.
Limited Jaw Movement
Difficulty opening the mouth fully or a feeling that the jaw is restricted or tight.
Headaches Associated with Jaw Tension
Some people experience headaches or facial discomfort alongside TMJ symptoms, particularly around the temples and cheeks.
Facial Pain
Pain or discomfort through the cheeks, jawline, or surrounding facial muscles.
Signs it's time to get your jaw checked
You don't need to wait until symptoms become severe before seeking an assessment.
You may consider having your jaw assessed if:
Jaw pain keeps returning
Clicking or popping is becoming more noticeable
You frequently wake up with jaw tension
Chewing feels uncomfortable
Headaches are occurring alongside jaw symptoms
Neck and jaw discomfort seem to occur together
Symptoms are gradually worsening over time
Early assessment is often less about treating pain and more about understanding what may be contributing to ongoing strain.
How we can help with jaw pain
Your first visit is a thorough assessment – a detailed health history, a physical and orthopaedic examination of your jaw, neck and upper back, and muscle activity scans (sEMG). Before any treatment starts, we explain what's likely contributing to your jaw pain.
Depending on your assessment, your care may include gentle jaw and neck techniques, soft tissue therapy and dry needling, along with practical advice on habits like clenching and posture.
No GP referral needed · Private health rebates available
TMJ & Jaw Pain Chiropractors
Dr Alex Freeman
Firm, hands-on adjustments, dry needling and soft tissue work. Experienced with jaw, neck and headache complaints.
Dr Joel Maylor
Exercise science and sports rehab background. Practical, movement-focused care for active people.
Your TMJ and Jaw Pain Questions, Answered
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Chiropractic care focuses on jaw pain linked to muscle tension, clenching, restricted jaw movement, and neck or upper back stiffness. At Freeman Chiropractic, we assess how the jaw, neck, and upper back move together, as these areas often influence one another. Care is then tailored to the patterns found on assessment.
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Clicking usually occurs when the small disc inside the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) shifts out of its usual position and back again as the mouth opens and closes. Painless clicking is common and often needs no treatment. Clicking accompanied by pain, locking, or reduced mouth opening warrants assessment.
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The jaw and upper neck share muscles and nerve pathways, and head and neck posture influences how the jaw rests and moves. Forward head posture and upper neck stiffness can therefore increase jaw muscle tension. For this reason, TMJ care at Freeman Chiropractic includes assessment of the neck and upper back as well as the jaw.
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Night-time clenching or grinding, known as bruxism, is often linked to stress and sleep quality. Your chiropractor can address the jaw and neck muscle tension that often builds with clenching, suggest simple ways to relax the jaw muscles before sleep, and help you notice clenching habits during the day.
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TMJ care may include gentle soft tissue therapy for the jaw muscles, techniques to improve jaw and upper neck movement, and advice on habits such as chewing, posture, and daytime clenching. Treatment is adjusted to your comfort, and your chiropractor explains each technique before using it.