Pain in the Jaw? Here’s What You Can Do About TMJ Disorders

If you’ve ever felt a dull ache in your jaw that spreads to your neck, shoulders, or even behind your eyes, you’re not alone. Roughly 12 million Americans suffer from a group of conditions known as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders—painful problems affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. These issues can make simple activities like eating, speaking, or even yawning feel difficult and uncomfortable.

The temporomandibular joint is the hinge that connects your lower jaw to the side of your head, allowing you to open and close your mouth. When something goes wrong with this joint or the muscles that support it, pain and dysfunction can follow. It doesn’t always stay in the jaw—TMJ pain can radiate to the shoulders, neck, back, and even the area behind the eyes, leading to headaches, poor sleep, and a reduced quality of life.

For years, TMJ disorders were mostly blamed on misaligned teeth or bite problems, but newer research points to a much broader range of causes.

One major culprit? Bruxism, or nighttime tooth grinding. A 2024 study published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation found that 60 percent of TMJ patients grind their teeth in their sleep, often without realizing it. This repeated movement can strain the jaw joint and surrounding muscles and is strongly linked to stress.

“Stress causes people to clench their jaw or grind their teeth, especially at night,” says Dr. Laura Kinney, a dental pain specialist. “Over time, that pressure can wear down the joint and inflame the surrounding muscles.”

But the cause isn’t always behavioral. In some cases, underlying health conditions play a role. A 2025 study in Arthritis & Rheumatology found that 20 percent of people with TMJ pain have an autoimmune disorder like rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia, which can contribute to inflammation and joint damage.

The good news? There are several ways to manage TMJ pain, starting with self-care.

Experts recommend giving the joint a rest. That means limiting wide jaw movements like yawning or laughing, avoiding gum and chewy foods, and sticking to a soft-food diet. Applying a heating pad or warm towel to the area can help relax tight muscles, while cold packs can reduce swelling. For short-term relief, over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or naproxen are effective for many people.

If misaligned teeth are the issue, a dentist or orthodontist can prescribe a mouth guard to wear during sleep. This helps cushion the jaw and prevent grinding.

More advanced treatments are also available. Physical therapy techniques, including manual therapy, ultrasound, and low-level laser therapy (LLLT), are showing strong results. A 2025 Physical Therapy Reviews study reported that 70 percent of patients experienced a noticeable improvement in pain and function after 6 to 8 weeks of consistent treatment.

For patients with severe muscle clenching, Botox injections are becoming a popular option. Injecting small amounts of botulinum toxin into the jaw muscles can help them relax and reduce chronic tension. A 2024 study in the Journal of Headache and Pain found that 65 percent of TMJ patients reported relief for 3 to 6 months after Botox treatments. However, the downside is cost—sessions can range from $500 to $1,200 and often aren’t covered by insurance.

The key takeaway? TMJ pain isn’t something you have to just live with. While the condition can be frustrating and complex, there are effective, science-backed treatments available—many of which start at home. If jaw pain is interfering with your sleep, eating, or everyday life, talk to your doctor or dentist. A custom treatment plan can help you reduce pain, protect your joints, and get back to living more comfortably.