Jaw pain and TMJ treatment in Wokingham, Berkshire

Jaw pain and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can cause clicking, locking, facial pain and headaches that interfere with eating, speaking and sleep. At the Wokingham Therapy Clinic, our therapists offer effective treatments to relax the jaw muscles, ease pain and restore comfortable movement.

On this page

1. About jaw pain and TMJ disorder
2. Common causes
3. Symptoms
4. How we treat jaw pain
5. Research and evidence
6. Self-help advice
7. Our acupuncturist

1. About jaw pain and TMJ disorder

The temporomandibular joints connect the lower jaw to the skull, just in front of each ear. TMJ disorder (also called TMD) describes pain and dysfunction of these joints and the muscles that move the jaw.

It is often driven by tension and overactivity in the jaw muscles – frequently linked to stress, clenching and teeth grinding – which fatigue the muscles and load the joint. The result is pain, clicking and restricted movement that can also refer into the head, face, neck and ears.

2. Common causes

• Teeth grinding and jaw clenching (bruxism), often related to stress
• Stress and anxiety, which increase muscle tension in the jaw and neck
• Dental problems or an uneven bite
• Jaw injury or trauma
• Arthritis affecting the joint
• Habits such as nail-biting or chewing gum

3. Symptoms

• Pain or tenderness in the jaw, in front of the ear or in the face
• Clicking, popping or grinding when opening the mouth
• The jaw locking or catching
• Difficulty or discomfort chewing
• Headaches, earache and pain referring into the neck
• Tightness or fatigue in the jaw muscles, often worse in the morning

4. How we treat jaw pain

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is highly effective for TMJ disorder. It relaxes the overactive jaw muscles, releases trigger points, improves blood flow and calms the nervous system – reducing both the muscular tension that drives the pain and the stress that often underlies it.

Osteopathy

Osteopathy uses gentle techniques to release tension in the jaw, head and neck, improving the mechanics of the temporomandibular joint and addressing contributing tension in the cervical spine.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy provides jaw exercises, posture correction and manual therapy to improve jaw movement and reduce muscular overload.

Massage

Massage of the jaw, face and neck muscles relieves the tension and trigger points that contribute to jaw pain and associated headaches.

5. Research and evidence

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation concluded that acupuncture is an effective intervention for reducing the symptoms of temporomandibular disorders, particularly myofascial pain. Conservative, reversible treatments such as manual therapy and exercise are recommended as first-line care for TMJ disorder.

6. Self-help advice

• Eat soft foods and avoid hard, chewy items during a flare-up
• Avoid chewing gum and biting nails
• Apply a warm compress to relax the jaw muscles
• Practise jaw relaxation and be mindful of clenching during the day
• Address stress, which is a major driver of jaw clenching
• Ask your dentist about a night guard if you grind your teeth

Our acupuncturist

Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto BM (Beijing), BSc (Hons) TCM, MBAcC, MRCHM

Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto has been practising acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for over 25 years. He is passionate about empowering people with the ancient knowledge of Chinese medicine through lifestyle and diet.

Dr (TCM) D'Alberto graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine from Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in China – a full-time, five-year degree programme that included six months of clinical internship at two of the largest hospitals in Beijing.

Dr (TCM) D'Alberto practises acupuncture, moxibustion and cupping from his own acupuncture clinic in Wokingham. He is a member of the British Acupuncture Council and practises traditional Chinese acupuncture.