Jaw pain is a broad term used to describe discomfort arising from the jaw or surrounding structures, and it remains one of the most frequently reported craniofacial complaints across the lifespan. Epidemiological research shows that temporomandibular disorders (TMD) affect approximately 31% of adults globally (Zieliński et al., 2024).
Jaw pain may be felt on one or both sides of the jaw, and because the region is densely supplied with sensory nerves, discomfort can radiate into the face, head, neck, eyes, lips, and even the teeth. Research indicates that up to 70% of individuals with TMD report associated headache symptoms (Valesan et al., 2021). Pain duration varies widely, often lasting weeks to months depending on the underlying cause, the rate of progression, and the timeliness of intervention. Persistent jaw pain is a functional problem as much as it is a symptomatic one, and this makes early assessment a critical step in recovery.
The most common source of jaw pain is irritation or dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The TMJ is a complex joint, and its sensitivity to mechanical and inflammatory stress explains why symptoms can arise from multiple contributing factors. Studies show that TMD prevalence is higher in women, with rates nearly double those of men (Alqutaibi et al., 2025). Jaw pain can develop due to bruxism (teeth grinding), dental procedures, infection, illness, or trauma. Bruxism alone affects approximately 20% of adults (Manfredini et al., 2017), making it one of the most significant behavioural contributors to jaw pain. Bruxism is a mechanical stressor, and mechanical stress is one of the most common drivers of TMJ irritation.
Stress is also a well‑established contributor to jaw pain. Psychological stress can manifest physically through increased muscle tension, clenching, or grinding during both waking and sleeping hours. Research demonstrates that stress is associated with a near doubling of TMD symptoms (Akhter et al., 2011). Stress can also reduce the effectiveness of treatment when left unmanaged. Stress is one of the most underestimated drivers of jaw pain, and recognising it early can significantly improve treatment outcomes. When stress is suspected to be a contributing factor, appropriate referral pathways—such as psychology or behavioural therapy—may be recommended.
Jaw pain may present as a constant ache or intermittent discomfort, and it may be accompanied by clicking, grinding, or locking of the jaw joint. These mechanical symptoms often indicate irritation, wear, or dysfunction of the joint capsule or internal disc. Studies show that joint noises are present in up to 39% of individuals with TMD (Ryan et al., 2022), making them a common clinical feature rather than an unusual finding. Mechanical symptoms are meaningful indicators of joint health, and they should be assessed promptly when they appear.
Jaw pain is a multifactorial condition, and its management requires a clear understanding of the biological, mechanical, and psychosocial contributors involved. Early assessment, targeted treatment, and appropriate referral when necessary form the foundation of effective care. Jaw pain is treatable, and timely intervention is one of the strongest predictors of successful recovery.
Management of Jaw Pain depends on the cause of the pain, how it feels and changes over the day, what makes it better or worse, and the length of time you have been experiencing the pain. Your first assessment will explore all of these aspects, laying the groundwork for reducing pain and improving comfort. From there, your treatment plan will be personalised to target the root cause, with a focus on easing pain, restoring free movement, and building strategies to reduce the chance of future flare-ups.
At Atlas Physio, we guide you with practical education, structured care, and ongoing support both in the clinic and at home. To make treatment accessible, we’re open seven days a week with evening appointments available, we offer bulk billing for eligible clients, and there are no gap fees for WorkCover or TAC clients. Get in touch today to take the first step toward moving with ease and confidence, supported by care that is consistent, straightforward, and designed to deliver lasting results.
REFERENCES
Akhter, R., Hassan, N. M., Aida, J., Kanehira, T., Zaman, K. U., & Morita, M. (2007). Association between experience of stressful life events and muscle-related temporomandibular disorders in patients seeking free treatment in a dental hospital. European journal of medical research, 12(11), 535–540.
Alqutaibi, A. Y., Alhammadi, M. S., Hamadallah, H. H., Altarjami, A. A., Malosh, O. T., Aloufi, A. M., Alkahtani, L. M., Alharbi, F. S., Halboub, E., & Almashraqi, A. A. (2025). Global prevalence of temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of oral & facial pain and headache, 39(2), 48–65.
Manfredini, D., Winocur, E., Guarda-Nardini, L., Paesani, D., & Lobbezoo, F. (2013). Epidemiology of bruxism in adults: a systematic review of the literature. Journal of orofacial pain, 27(2), 99–110.
Ryan, J., Akhter, R., Hassan, N., Hilton, G., Wickham, J., & Ibaragi, S. (2022). Epidemiology of temporomandibular disorder in the general population: A systematic review. Clinical Oral Investigations, 26, 567–582.
Valesan, L. F., Da-Cas, C. D., Réus, J. C., Denardin, A. C. S., Garanhani, R. R., Bonotto, D., Januzzi, E., & de Souza, B. D. M. (2021). Prevalence of temporomandibular joint disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical oral investigations, 25(2), 441–453.
Zieliński, G., Pająk‑Zielińska, B., & Ginszt, M. (2024). A meta-analysis of the global prevalence of temporomandibular disorders. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(5), 1365.