The TMJ is another name for the jaw. The jaw is made up of the mandible (the lower jaw) and the temporal bone (the socket).

Causes of TMJ pain include:

• overactivity of the jaw muscles (eg. From grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw)
• ?trauma as such a blow to the jaw
• wear and tear of the joint
• stress

What are the signs and symptoms of TMJ dysfunction?

There are many signs of problems with the TMJ:

• pain in the jaw and facial muscles
• clicking or grinding of the jaw
• headaches
• dizziness
• difficulty opening or closing the mouth properly
• pain on chewing, talking and yawning
• ringing in the ears.

• try heat or ice regularly over the affected area for 10-15 minutes at a time. Ensure these are wrapped in a tea towel to avoid the risk of skin irritation or damage
• speak to your local pharmacist for advice regarding analgesia
• try to massage the muscles around the joint.
• try to avoid clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth – if you do this in your sleep, seeing your dentist for provision of a mouth-guard may be appropriate.
• cut tougher food into smaller pieces
• be mindful of your posture as poor posture can contribute to your pain
• avoid using chewing gum
• avoid sleeping face down

1. Relaxed jaw position. Put your tongue on the roof of your mouth and allow your jaw muscles to relax. Hold for 10 seconds

Repeat 5 times

2. With your tongue to the roof of your mouth, use your fingers to push your chin back and down.
Hold for 5 seconds

Repeat 10 times.

3. Place your tongue on the roof of your mouth. Open your mouth slowly, make sure that you move your lower jaw down in a straight line. Keep your neck straight.

Repeat 10 times

4. Push your lower jaw down, while resisting movement with your hand. Hold for 5 seconds.

Repeat 10 times

5. Try to move your lower jaw to the side, resist the movement gently with your fingers.
Hold 5 seconds.

Repeat 10 times each side

6. Sitting straight-backed. Pull your chin in, keeping your neck and back straight (not tipping your head forwards). Hold at the end position and feel the stretch in your neck. Hold for 5 seconds

Repeat 10 times