Jaw pain
Jaw complaints are more common than you might think. They can manifest in different ways and often develop gradually. Many people experience pain in or around the jaw joint, often near the ear. This can be accompanied by clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth, difficulty chewing or speaking, or a feeling of stiffness and fatigue in the jaw muscles. Teeth grinding or jaw clenching, especially at night, can also contribute to tension and overuse of the jaw area.
What many people don’t realize is that jaw problems can also cause symptoms elsewhere in the body. Tension headaches, neck and shoulder pain, ear pain, or a feeling of fullness in the ear are common complaints among people with jaw issues. Dizziness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or unexplained tooth pain can also be related to an imbalance in the jaw system. These symptoms are often not directly linked to the jaw, even though the cause may lie there.
Do you recognize one or more of these symptoms? Then it’s wise to pay attention to them. Jaw complaints can quietly affect your daily life but are often treatable. The cause rarely lies solely in the jaw itself; tension, posture, or stress may also play a role. A holistic approach can help identify the underlying cause and provide targeted treatment.
Treatment for Jaw Complaints
The treatment begins with an intake and physical examination, during which the jaw, neck, skull, and surrounding structures are assessed. Depending on what your body needs, manual techniques, mobilizations, dry needling, or (if necessary) spinal manipulation may be used.
Treatment focuses on tense chewing muscles, the jaw joint, and the surrounding structures. Sometimes work is done inside the mouth, always in consultation with you. Attention is also given to oral habits such as tongue position, teeth clenching, nail biting, or lip biting—small habits that can unknowingly have a big impact on tension in your jaw.
Make an appointment in Amsterdam
Our practice is located in Amsterdam and is easily accessible. We take the time for you and look beyond just the painful area. Experience for yourself what a physiotherapist can do for your jaw complaints.