Understanding Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD) and Orofacial Pain for patients
What is the TMJ?
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is your jaw joint. You can feel it just in front of your ear when you open and close your mouth.
It’s formed by:
The mandible (jaw bone)
The temporal bone of the skull
A small cartilage disc between them, which acts like a cushion and shock absorber
You use this joint all day for chewing, speaking, yawning, swallowing and breathing. Because it’s so active and finely tuned, it can be vulnerable to irritation, injury and overload.
What is TMD?
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is an umbrella term for problems affecting:
The jaw joint (TMJ)
The chewing muscles
Nearby structures such as the neck and face
Many people experience TMD at some point in their lives. It can show up as jaw pain, facial pain, ear pain, headaches or neck pain – sometimes all at once.
Common contributors include:
Teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism), often linked to stress
Long dental appointments with the mouth held open
Direct trauma to the jaw or face
Inflammatory and arthritic conditions
Common Signs and Symptoms
TMJ-related pain can be quite varied. Some people have obvious jaw pain; others notice more general face, head or neck symptoms.
You might notice:
Tenderness or pain in the jaw joint or chewing muscles
Pain or discomfort when chewing, yawning, clenching or during dental work
Facial or head pain, sometimes worse first thing in the morning
A feeling of limited, stiff or restricted jaw movement
Clicking, popping, grating, crunching, stiffness or locking in the jaw
Jaw movements that feel uneven, wobbly or deviated to one side
Headaches (often around the temples, forehead or base of the skull)
Toothache-like pain where no dental cause is found
Ear pain, blocked-ear feeling or reduced hearing
Sinus pressure or facial pressure without clear sinus disease
Neck and shoulder tightness or pain
Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears)
Dizziness or light-headedness
A sense that your bite has changed or your teeth no longer meet properly
Difficulty or discomfort with swallowing
Not everyone has all of these symptoms. Some people only experience one or two, while others have a more complex picture.
What Can Cause TMD?
TMD usually develops from a mix of factors rather than one single cause. These may include:
Direct joint trauma – for example, a fall or blow to the face/jaw
Prolonged mouth opening, such as during long dental procedures or intubation
Bruxism – clenching and/or grinding your teeth, awake or asleep
Dental or orthodontic changes that alter how your teeth meet
Arthritis or other inflammatory joint conditions
Generalised joint hypermobility (very flexible joints)
Long-term postural strain, especially around the neck/upper back
Whiplash-associated disorders (WAD)
Sleep-related breathing issues, including sleep apnoea
Ongoing stress, anxiety or pain sensitivity, which can keep muscles guarded and the nervous system on high alert\
At Synchrony, we look at the whole picture – jaw, neck, nervous system, habits, sleep and stress – rather than treating the jaw in isolation.
How Synchrony Can Help
At Synchrony, we specialise in the assessment and management of TMD and orofacial pain using an integrated, biopsychosocial approach. That means we consider:
Your joint and muscle mechanics
How your nervous system is processing pain
The impact of stress, sleep, beliefs and habits
Your goals, values and day-to-day life
Treatment is evidence-informed and tailored to you. It may include:
Manual Therapy
Gentle hands-on techniques for the jaw, neck and upper back to improve movement, reduce stiffness and ease pain.Intra- and Extra-oral Myofascial Release
Soft tissue techniques for the muscles inside and outside the mouth to relieve tension and improve function.Dry Needling (where appropriate)
Targeted needling of overactive muscles or trigger points to help reduce pain and muscle guarding.Individualised Rehabilitation Exercises
Specific exercises to restore jaw and neck range of motion, strength, coordination and control, tailored to your stage of recovery.Posture and Movement Re-education
Exploring how your sitting, working, sleeping and movement habits may influence your jaw and neck, and finding more supportive alternatives.Pain Education, Psychotherapy & Self-Management Strategies
Clear explanations about what’s happening in your system, plus practical tools to calm the nervous system and build confidence. This may include elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), psychophysiological strategies, and skills to help you regulate stress and pain over time.
Our aim is not just to reduce symptoms in the short term, but to help you feel informed, supported and confident in managing your jaw health going forward.
Why Work with Synchrony?
We focus on the underlying drivers of your jaw, face and neck symptoms – not just the surface pain.
Treatment combines education, hands-on care and active strategies so you’re not dependent on therapy forever.
We take a team-based approach wherever needed, and regularly collaborate with:
GPs and specialists
Dentists, orthodontists and endodontists
Psychologists and psychiatrists
Neurologists, ENTs and sleep physicians
This means your care can be coordinated and consistent, rather than fragmented.
When to Seek Support
It may be worth booking an assessment at Synchrony (and speaking with your GP or dentist) if you:
Recognise several of the signs and symptoms listed above
Have had recent dental work or jaw trauma and your symptoms haven’t settled
Notice ongoing clenching or grinding, tooth wear or jaw fatigue
Experience frequent headaches, ear symptoms, dizziness or facial pressure that don’t have a clear cause
Have pain that persists despite dental care, medication or previous physiotherapy
Feel worried, confused or unsure about what is happening with your jaw
You don’t need a referral to book with us, but we’re always happy to work closely with your existing health providers.
Next Steps
If you recognise yourself in this description and would like support:
Book an appointment to organise a thorough jaw, neck and nervous-system assessment
Bring any relevant reports (e.g. dental, imaging, specialist letters) to your session
We’ll work together to create a clear, personalised plan to help you understand your condition, reduce pain and tension, and regain confidence in using your jaw.
TMD and orofacial pain can be complex, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Synchrony, we’re here to help you make sense of your symptoms and move towards more comfortable, confident everyday living.
