Jaw Clicking or Locking? How to Treat TMJ Pain in Howick
Do you wake up with a sore jaw, or hear a loud "click" every time you chew? Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dysfunction is a condition we see frequently at Velca Health Centre, yet many East Auckland locals suffer in silence because they don’t know who to see for it.
It’s not just a "dental problem." It’s often a mechanical issue involving the muscles and joints of your jaw and neck.
Common Symptoms of TMJ:
Clicking or popping when opening your mouth.
Locking: The jaw gets stuck open or closed.
Ear pain or ringing (tinnitus) that isn't an infection.
Headaches: Specifically around the temples (temporalis muscle).
Why is it happening?
Stress is a major factor—many of us clench our jaws while sitting in traffic on Pakuranga Road or while working at high-pressure jobs. Poor neck posture (text neck) can also pull on the jaw muscles, creating tension.
How Velca Treats TMJ
We use a unique "Inside-Out" approach:
Muscle release: Our physios or chiropractors can release the tight muscles around your jaw thus easing pain and giving you more movement.
Chiropractic Adjustments: We check your upper neck (C1/C2 vertebrae). Misalignment here often feeds directly into jaw tension. Additionally we can gently guide the jaw during movement giving you better function and less pain.
Home Exercises: Simple movements to reduce pain and increase your function.
Advice: Know what to do and what to avoid goes a long way to helping you get back to normal again.
Next Steps Don't let jaw pain ruin your meals. Book a TMJ assessment with our chiro or physio team today and stop the clicking. Our chiropractor John has done extra training in this specific issue.
