TMJ & jaw
TMJ Disorders & Jaw Pain — North Vancouver
Clicking, locking, headaches that start at the temple, a jaw that won't open wide enough to bite into a sandwich. We treat the joint, the muscles, and the neck that's usually feeding it.
What it is
Understanding your tmj disorder / jaw pain.
The temporomandibular joint — TMJ — is the hinge in front of each ear that lets you chew, talk, and yawn. A TMJ disorder is any combination of pain, clicking, locking, or restricted movement at that joint. It often comes packaged with headaches at the temple, ear-area pressure that doesn't behave like an ear infection, and a feeling of tightness running from the jaw down into the neck.
Most TMJ cases we see aren't really a 'joint' problem in isolation. They are a joint, the muscles that control it (masseter, temporalis, the lateral and medial pterygoids), and the upper cervical spine all winding each other up. Night clenching or grinding, a forward head posture from a long day at the screen, a recent dental procedure, or stress that lives in the jaw — any of those can tip the system over.
What this means in practice is that treating only the joint, or only the bite, often leaves a third of the problem in place. The first assessment is about figuring out which of those drivers is doing the most work for your case.
What to expect
Many TMJ cases improve noticeably in the first 3–5 sessions once joint and muscle work are paired together. Cases involving long-standing night clenching or recent dental work can take longer. Your physiotherapist will set the next milestone after assessment.
Get a plan
Not sure if we're the right fit?
Send us a quick note about what's going on. A physiotherapist — not a receptionist — will read it and reply with what they'd recommend. No commitment to book.
Common questions
About tmj disorder / jaw pain.
Do you do intra-oral TMJ work?+
Yes, when it's indicated and you've consented to it. The physiotherapist will explain what it involves, why it's being recommended, and what to expect. External-only treatment also works well for many TMJ presentations — it isn't a default for every case.
Should I see a dentist first?+
Not necessarily. A dental review is helpful if there's a clear bite issue, recent dental work, or significant clenching that warrants a night guard. We're happy to coordinate with your dentist when that's the right call. For most jaw-and-neck-driven cases, physio is a reasonable first step.
Will the clicking go away?+
Sometimes. A click without pain is generally not a problem on its own. A click that comes with pain, locking, or restricted opening is what we treat. Reduction in pain and improvement in opening tend to come first; the click itself may or may not fully resolve.
Is jaw pain the reason for my headaches?+
It can be a major contributor. TMJ-driven and cervicogenic headaches often live together — clenching loads the temporalis, the upper neck stays stiff, and pain refers into the head. Treating the jaw and the upper cervical spine together is usually what moves the headache pattern.
Do you direct-bill extended health?+
Yes. Direct billing for most major extended-health insurers, plus ICBC and WorkSafeBC.
This page is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual presentations vary — assessment findings and treatment plans differ from person to person. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, neurological changes (numbness, weakness, bowel or bladder changes), or a significant trauma, contact your physician or emergency services. Physiotherapy at Medstar Sport Physio & Health is provided by physiotherapists registered with the College of Physical Therapists of British Columbia (CPTBC).