FACial/JAw Pain & TMJ Dysfunction

Relieve Tension. Restore Comfort. Reclaim Your Bite.

Clicking, locking, aching in your jaw—or unexplained facial pain? You’re not alone.

Face/Jaw pain and TMJ dysfunction can affect everything from eating and speaking to sleeping and stress levels. At Rehab Chamber, we assess the jaw joint and surrounding structures to provide conservative, non-invasive support that can help ease discomfort and improve mobility.

What is TMJ Dysfunction? – Causes, Types & Care at Rehab Chamber

The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. TMJ dysfunction occurs when there’s pain, restriction, or abnormal movement in this joint or its surrounding muscles. It can occur if there is:

  1. Joint Asymmetry
    Each temporomandibular joint (TMJ) may have slight differences in the shape or curvature of its articular surfaces. If one side has a variation in how the convex and concave components align, the jaw may open unevenly. This imbalance can place added strain on the muscles and structures on one or both sides of the head during movement.

  1. Disc Displacement or Degeneration
    The TMJ contains a small cartilaginous disc that reduces friction between the skull and the mandible during motion. With repeated stress or overuse, this disc can wear down or shift out of place—often moving forward within the joint. When displaced, the disc can lose its protective function, leading to clicking, locking, or increased pain when opening or closing the jaw.

  2. Joint Wear and Soft Tissue Strain
    The mandible must both glide and rotate to allow for normal jaw movement. Over time, these complex motions can contribute to cumulative wear on the joint surfaces. This may result in degenerative changes such as osteoarthritis, or lead to strain and sprain injuries in the muscles and ligaments that stabilize the jaw and connect it to the skull.

Since the jaw is a highly complex joint system that begins just in front of the tragus—the small bump of cartilage we often press to block out sound. This area marks the location of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), where your mandible (jawbone) connects to your skull through a pair of joints, one on each side.

Due to its location and the interconnected nature of surrounding structures, dysfunction in the TMJ can lead to a wide range of symptoms. These may include:

Common signs and symptoms include:

  • Jaw clicking, popping, or grinding

  • Pain in the jaw, face, neck, or temples

  • Headaches, often near the temples

  • Difficulty opening the mouth fully

  • Pain while chewing, yawning, or speaking

  • Jaw locking open or shut

  • Ear pain (fullness, ringing (tinnitus), or pressure)

  • Dizziness or Nausea

  • Neck and Shoulder Tension

What Causes TMJ Dysfunction?

  • Jaw clenching or teeth grinding (often stress-related)

  • Poor posture or neck tension

  • Trauma to the jaw or face

  • Dental or bite alignment issues

  • Overuse from chewing or speaking

  • Neck dysfunction contributing to referred pain or altered movement

Other Causes of Facial Pain

Not All Facial Pain Comes From the Jaw—Let’s Find the Real Source

Facial pain can be complex and doesn’t always stem from the jaw joint (TMJ). At Rehab Chamber, we understand that pain in the face may be caused by a variety of structures—including nerves, muscles, sinuses, or even the neck. Our team takes a comprehensive approach to assessment and care, helping you understand what's contributing to your discomfort and what options may help.

Common Non-TMJ Sources of Facial Pain

1. Trigeminal Neuralgia

A nerve condition involving the trigeminal nerve, which can cause sharp, shock-like pain on one side of the face. It may be triggered by touch, talking, brushing teeth, or even wind.

2. Sinus Pressure & Infection

Blocked or inflamed sinuses can cause pressure across the cheeks, forehead, and upper teeth, often mistaken for dental or TMJ issues.

3. Cervicogenic Referral (Neck-Related)

Stiffness or dysfunction in the upper cervical spine (C1–C3) can refer pain into the jaw, face, or temples. This is especially common in people with poor posture or prior whiplash injuries.

4. Occipital Neuralgia

Pain starting at the base of the skull and radiating over the scalp, sometimes felt in the jaw or face. It may be due to nerve irritation from muscle tightness or joint restriction.

5. Myofascial Trigger Points

Tight, overworked facial or neck muscles (such as the masseter or sternocleidomastoid) can cause referred pain to areas around the jaw, temples, ears, or eyes.

Our team at Rehab Chamber takes a whole-body approach to Facial/Jaw care. Since the Face/Jaw is connected to the neck, shoulders, and head, we examine how those areas may be contributing to tension or dysfunction. We focus on gentle, hands-on care and movement-based rehab tailored to your specific needs.

Our Integrated Program Could Include:

  • Hands-on manual therapy to the jaw, neck, and surrounding musculature

  • Chiropractic care for joint function and overall mechanics

  • Myofascial release and Dry Needling/Acupuncture

  • Targeted Physical Therapy to strengthen the jaw and correct movement patterns

  • Laser Therapy to stimulate cellular regeneration, increase blood circulation, and reduce inflammation in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles **

  • Progressive exercise rehab to rebuild strength and prevent recurrence

  • Ergonomic and activity modification coaching

  • Breathing and relaxation strategies for jaw clenching

  • Mobility and stability exercises for jaw and neck coordination

  • Collaboration with dentists or other health care professionals, if necessary, for splinting (night gaurds), bite issues or further evaluation

** only at applicable locations

Frequently Asked Questions

Facial/JAW PAIN & TMJ Dysfunction Treatment in Downtown Toronto

Can chiropractic or physical therapy help with TMJ and facial pain?

Yes. Licensed chiropractors and physiotherapists offer non-invasive, conservative treatments such as manual therapy, jaw mobilization, soft tissue release, therapeutic exercises, and posture correction that can help reduce TMJ pain and improve jaw function.

Is facial pain always caused by TMJ issues?

No. Facial pain can also stem from trigeminal nerve irritation, sinus infections, dental problems, muscle tension, or referred pain from the neck and upper back. Accurate diagnosis is important for effective treatment.

Treatment duration varies by individual and severity. Many patients experience improvement within a few weeks with consistent care, but some may require longer management plans.

How long does it take to feel better?

Trigeminal neuralgia is a nerve disorder causing sudden, sharp, electric shock-like facial pain, often triggered by touch or movement. Unlike TMJ dysfunction, which is joint-related, trigeminal neuralgia requires medical diagnosis and management.

What is trigeminal neuralgia?

Most TMJ and facial pain cases can be assessed clinically without imaging. Imaging is only recommended if symptoms suggest complex joint damage or other underlying conditions. No referral is necessary. No need for referrals, you can directly schedule an appointment.

Do I need imaging or a referral?