- Jaw pain
- TMJ
- Facial pain
Jaw pain (TMJ disorders): symptoms and the treatments the NIH recommends
Temporomandibular disorders cause pain in the jaw, face or neck. We explain what they are, who gets them, and why it is best to start with conservative treatments.
PainManagement ER Published 2 min read
Pain when chewing, a jaw that locks when you yawn, or discomfort that spreads to your face and neck. These can be signs of a temporomandibular disorder (TMD). According to the NIH’s National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), TMDs are a group of more than 30 conditions that cause pain and problems in the jaw joint (the TMJ) and the muscles that move the jaw.[1]
How common is it?
- TMD affects about 5% of adults in the U.S., although the figure varies by study.[1]
- It is about twice as common in women as in men, especially between ages 35 and 44.[1]
Symptoms
The most common symptom is pain in the chewing muscles or the jaw joint. NIDCR also lists:[1]
- Pain that spreads to the face or neck
- Jaw stiffness
- Limited jaw movement or a jaw that locks
- Painful clicking or grating when opening or closing the mouth
- Ringing in the ears, hearing loss or dizziness
- A change in how the upper and lower teeth fit together
A reassuring fact: clicking without pain is common, considered normal, and doesn’t need treatment.[1]
What causes it?
Some TMDs come from a joint injury, but the exact cause is often unclear. Research points to a mix of genetic factors, psychological and life stress, and how each person perceives pain.[1]
And something important: according to NIDCR, research does not support the belief that a bad bite or orthodontic treatment causes these disorders.[1]
How it is diagnosed
There is no standard test to diagnose TMDs. Diagnosis is based on your symptom history and an exam of the head, neck, face and jaw. Imaging (X-ray, MRI or CT) is sometimes ordered, and other conditions may need to be ruled out.[1]
Treatment: start conservative
Many TMDs are temporary, and for many people symptoms go away without treatment. That’s why experts recommend starting with conservative treatments and avoiding those that permanently change the joint, teeth or bite.[1]
| Stage | Options (per NIDCR) |
|---|---|
| First steps | Eat soft foods; apply heat or cold; do gentle jaw stretches and strengthening; use over-the-counter pain relievers such as NSAIDs; cut back on habits like clenching, chewing gum or biting your nails |
| If more is needed | Physical therapy (including manual therapy), self-management strategies, and behavioral approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and biofeedback |
| Limited evidence | Some medications, mouth splints, acupuncture and TENS; botulinum toxin has mixed evidence |
| Not recommended as a first option | Treatments that change the bite (crowns, grinding down teeth, orthodontics): insufficient evidence and they may make symptoms worse. Open surgery and implants are kept for specific cases, such as joint destruction or severe symptoms that persist |
Source: NIDCR, NIH, "TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders)" (2026).[1]
NIDCR notes that there are no long-term studies on the safety of open surgery for TMDs, and advises getting a second opinion before any irreversible procedure.[1]
If jaw pain makes it hard to eat, talk or sleep, an assessment can help find the source and start with conservative, safe treatments.
Sources
- TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders) . National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), NIH , reviewed September 2026.
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