Jaw pain and clicking (TMD): causes, self-help and when to get checked
Why the jaw joint can click, ache or lock, what often contributes, simple self-help from the NHS, and when jaw pain needs urgent attention.
The jaw joints sit just in front of each ear, and they are used every time you talk, chew and yawn. Problems affecting the joints and the muscles around them are known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD). They are common, and many people notice clicking or popping that does not bother them at all.
When to get urgent help
Call 999 or go to A&E straight away if you have a headache with any of these.
- A sudden, severe headache that reaches full intensity within a minute or so
- Headache with confusion, weakness, speech difficulty, vision loss, facial droop or seizures
- Headache with a stiff neck, high temperature, rash or dislike of bright light
- Headache after a head injury
What it can feel like
- Pain around the jaw, ear or temple
- Clicking, popping or grinding when you move your jaw
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully, or the jaw sticking or locking
- Pain that is worse when chewing or when you are stressed, sometimes with temple headaches
Common contributors
- Clenching or grinding the teeth, particularly during stress or sleep
- Habits such as chewing gum, biting nails or chewing pen tops
- Tension in the jaw, neck and shoulder muscles
- Injury to the jaw, or arthritis affecting the joint
- Often no single cause is found
General self-care
These are general comfort measures many people find reasonable. They are not a treatment plan, and what suits one person may not suit another.
- Eat softer foods for a while and avoid very chewy foods
- Avoid chewing gum, biting your nails or pen tops, and yawning very widely
- Try to notice and stop clenching your teeth during the day, and let your teeth rest slightly apart
- A warm or cold pack wrapped in a tea towel, and gentle massage of the jaw muscles, can be comfortable
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen can ease pain. Follow the packet instructions or ask a pharmacist
When to see your GP
See your GP promptly, or call NHS 111, if you notice any of the following:
- A new headache pattern, particularly if you are over 50
- Headaches that are triggered or made worse by coughing, sneezing, bending or exercise, or that wake you at night
- Jaw pain when eating, a sore or tender scalp, or problems with your vision or eyes
- Headaches that are becoming more frequent or more severe
Consider seeing your GP if:
- You cannot eat or drink properly, or your jaw is locking. The NHS advises an urgent GP appointment or NHS 111
- You have frequent or severe headaches
- Jaw pain, with scalp or temple tenderness or vision problems such as double vision, needs same-day medical advice
Where an osteopath fits in
There is limited good-quality research showing that hands-on treatment changes the course of jaw pain and TMD, so I do not claim that osteopathy treats it.
What an osteopath can usefully do is look at how the neck, upper back and jaw are moving and loading, talk through habits such as clenching and chewing, and suggest simple self-care. If symptoms are persistent, locking, or linked to your teeth or bite, a dentist or GP should be involved. If the assessment suggests you need your GP, a physiotherapist or a specialist instead, I will tell you.
If you would like your symptoms assessed, you are welcome to book an appointment. Osteopathic care is not right for everyone, and if something needs medical attention first, I will tell you.
Common questions
Why does my jaw click when I open my mouth?
Clicking or popping is common and, if it does not hurt or stop you opening fully, it is usually not a cause for concern. The NHS lists clicking, popping and grinding as symptoms of TMD when they come with pain or difficulty moving the jaw.
Does stress cause jaw pain?
It can contribute. The NHS notes jaw pain can be worse with stress, and that avoiding teeth clenching and relaxing the jaw may help.
Sources and further reading
Links open in a new tab. Sources were checked in October 2026.
Related guides
This page is general information to help you understand common aches and pains. It is not medical advice and cannot diagnose your problem. If you are worried about your symptoms, please speak to your GP or call NHS 111.