Jaw Pain Won't Stop? Why Your TMJ Hurts & Medically Approved Next Steps

If your jaw pain won't go away, you're not imagining it—and you're not alone. Ongoing jaw discomfort is often related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the hinge that connects your lower jaw to your skull. When this joint or the surrounding muscles aren't working properly, it can lead to a condition commonly called TMJ disorder (TMD).

The good news: Most TMJ problems are treatable. The key is understanding what's causing your pain and choosing the right TMJ treatment based on medical guidance.

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What Is the TMJ and Why Does It Hurt?

Your temporomandibular joints are located just in front of each ear. They allow you to:

• Open and close your mouth
• Chew and swallow
• Speak
• Yawn

These joints are complex. They include:

• Bone
• Cartilage
• A small cushioning disc
• Muscles
• Ligaments

When any part of this system becomes irritated, inflamed, misaligned, or worn down, pain can follow.

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Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

TMJ problems don't just cause jaw pain. Symptoms can include:

• Aching pain in the jaw, face, or near the ears
• Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening your mouth
• Jaw stiffness or locking
• Difficulty chewing
• Headaches (especially in the temples)
• Ear pain without infection
• Neck or shoulder tension

If your jaw pain has lasted more than a few weeks, keeps coming back, or is getting worse, it's time to look into possible causes.

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Why Your TMJ Hurts

There isn't just one cause of TMJ disorders. Often, it's a combination of factors.

1. Teeth Grinding or Clenching (Bruxism)

Grinding your teeth—especially at night—puts constant pressure on the joint and surrounding muscles. Over time, this strain can lead to inflammation and pain.

2. Stress and Muscle Tension

Emotional stress can cause you to clench your jaw without realizing it. Chronic tension can overload the muscles that control the TMJ.

3. Joint Injury

A blow to the jaw or whiplash injury can damage the joint, cartilage, or disc.

4. Arthritis

Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the TMJ. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage that cushions the joint gradually wears down.

If you're experiencing persistent jaw pain and wondering whether arthritis might be a factor, Ubie's free AI-powered Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis (TMJ) symptom checker can help you identify patterns in your symptoms and determine whether a doctor's visit is warranted.

5. Disc Displacement

The small disc inside the joint can slip out of place, leading to clicking sounds and sometimes pain.

6. Bite Misalignment

An uneven bite can change how pressure is distributed across the joint, contributing to long-term strain.

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When Jaw Pain Could Be Something More Serious

Most TMJ disorders are not life-threatening. However, jaw pain can occasionally signal more serious conditions.

Seek immediate medical care if you experience:

• Chest pain along with jaw pain
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden severe headache
• Facial drooping
• Fever with jaw swelling

In rare cases, jaw pain can be associated with heart attack symptoms or serious infections. If something feels urgent or unusual, don't ignore it—speak to a doctor right away.

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Medically Approved TMJ Treatment Options

The best TMJ treatment depends on the cause and severity of your symptoms. Most people improve with conservative (non-surgical) care.

1. Self-Care at Home (First-Line TMJ Treatment)

Doctors often recommend starting with simple measures:

• Eat soft foods (soups, yogurt, eggs, fish)
• Avoid chewing gum
• Avoid wide yawning or big bites
• Apply warm compresses to relax muscles
• Try gentle jaw stretching exercises (under guidance)
• Practice stress reduction techniques (deep breathing, mindfulness)

These approaches reduce joint strain and inflammation.

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2. Medications

Short-term medication may help control symptoms.

Common options include:

• NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) to reduce pain and inflammation
• Muscle relaxants for short-term muscle spasms
• Low-dose antidepressants (in some chronic pain cases)

Always speak to a healthcare professional before starting medication, especially if you have other health conditions.

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3. Oral Appliances (Night Guards or Splints)

A custom dental splint can:

• Reduce teeth grinding
• Decrease pressure on the TMJ
• Protect teeth from damage

This is one of the most common and effective TMJ treatment approaches when clenching or grinding is involved.

Over-the-counter guards are available, but custom-fitted devices from a dentist often provide better alignment and comfort.

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4. Physical Therapy

Targeted physical therapy may include:

• Jaw mobility exercises
• Posture correction
• Neck strengthening
• Manual therapy

Poor posture—especially from phone and computer use—can strain the jaw. Addressing neck and shoulder alignment often improves symptoms.

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5. Stress Management

Because stress is a major trigger, long-term TMJ treatment often includes:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Relaxation techniques
• Biofeedback
• Sleep improvement strategies

If you grind your teeth at night, improving sleep quality can make a real difference.

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6. Injections

For persistent cases, a doctor may recommend:

• Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
• Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections in specific muscle-related cases

These are typically considered when conservative treatment fails.

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7. Surgery (Rare)

Surgery is generally a last resort. Most TMJ disorders improve without it.

Surgical options may be considered if:

• There is severe joint damage
• Conservative TMJ treatment has failed
• Structural abnormalities are clearly identified

Procedures can range from minimally invasive arthrocentesis (joint flushing) to joint replacement in advanced cases.

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How Long Does TMJ Treatment Take to Work?

Many people see improvement within:

• A few weeks with conservative care
• 2–3 months with splints and physical therapy

Chronic or arthritis-related cases may take longer. The earlier you address symptoms, the better the outcome.

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What You Should Do Next

If your jaw pain won't stop, here's a practical plan:

1. Start with conservative care (soft foods, heat, avoid overuse).
2. Monitor symptoms for 2–3 weeks.
3. Consider using Ubie's free AI-powered Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis (TMJ) symptom checker to better understand your symptoms and get personalized guidance.
4. Schedule an appointment with:
   • A primary care physician
   • A dentist experienced in TMJ treatment
   • An oral and maxillofacial specialist (if severe)

If symptoms are persistent, worsening, or interfering with eating or speaking, don't delay evaluation.

And again, if jaw pain comes with chest pain, shortness of breath, or other emergency symptoms, seek urgent medical attention immediately.

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The Bottom Line

Persistent jaw pain is common, and in most cases, it's related to TMJ dysfunction. While it can be frustrating and painful, effective TMJ treatment options are available.

Most people improve with:

• Lifestyle changes
• Stress reduction
• Oral appliances
• Physical therapy

Severe complications are uncommon—but ongoing symptoms should not be ignored.

If your jaw pain won't stop, don't try to power through it. Take the next step. Use trusted tools, monitor your symptoms, and speak to a doctor to ensure you receive the right diagnosis and treatment plan.

Your jaw is meant to move comfortably. With the right care, it usually can again.