CONDITION
TMJ Disorder (Jaw Pain)
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ or TMD) affects the jaw joints and surrounding muscles, often causing jaw pain, clicking, stiffness, and difficulty chewing. TMJ pain may also lead to headaches, ear pain, or facial discomfort. At Silver Pain Centre in Toronto, our team provides consultations and advanced, non-surgical treatment plans to help patients find lasting relief from TMJ pain.
What is TMJ Disorder?
Your temporomandibular joints (TMJs) connect your jawbone to your skull. These joints work like sliding hinges every time you chew, speak, or yawn. When the joint is strained or misaligned, it can cause temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), leading to:
Jaw pain or tenderness (often one-sided)
Clicking, popping, or grinding noises in the jaw
Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth fully
Headaches, migraines, or facial pain
Earaches, tooth pain, or ringing in the ears
Neck and shoulder tension related to jaw clenching
Why Does TMJ Disorder Occur?
TMJ disorders can happen for many different reasons. Often, several factors overlap, making jaw pain persistent and difficult to manage without professional care. Common causes and contributing factors include:
-
Teeth Grinding or Clenching (Bruxism): Habitual grinding or clenching places excess strain on the jaw joint and muscles, often leading to pain, headaches, and stiffness.
-
Jaw Misalignment or Bite Problems: If the teeth or bite are uneven, it can put abnormal pressure on the TMJ.
-
Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can damage the cartilage in the jaw joint, causing chronic pain and inflammation.
-
Stress and Muscle Tension: Stress frequently triggers jaw clenching, which worsens TMJ-related discomfort.
-
Jaw Injury or Trauma: Past fractures, dislocations, or dental trauma may contribute to long-term dysfunction.
-
Poor Posture: Slouching or forward head posture can strain the muscles that support the jaw.
-
Other Risk Factors: Habits like chewing gum or ice, biting nails, or taking large bites of food can aggravate the TMJ over time.
At Silver Pain Centre in Toronto, we perform a comprehensive assessment to uncover the root causes of your TMJ disorder. By identifying your personal triggers and pain pathways, we can design a treatment plan that reduces jaw pain, improves function, and restores quality of life.
How We Diagnose & Treat at Silver Pain Centre
We begin with a comprehensive medical and dental history, physical exam, and imaging (X-ray, CT, or MRI if needed). From there, we design a personalized treatment plan.
Botox (Onabotulinum toxin) injections → reduces overactive jaw muscle activity (masseter, temporalis).
Image-guided joint injections → corticosteroid or anesthetic injections for TMJ inflammation.
Nerve blocks → targeting trigeminal or auriculotemporal nerves to reduce facial/jaw pain.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) → for patients with persistent TMJ pain despite other measures.
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation → relaxes tight jaw and facial muscles.
Medication optimization → pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or neuropathic medications.
When to Seek Help & How We Can Support You
If you have persistent jaw pain, stiffness, or clicking that doesn’t improve with dental splints, physiotherapy, or over-the-counter medications, it may be time to see a pain specialist. TMJ disorder can worsen if left untreated, leading to chronic facial pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing or speaking.
At Silver Pain Centre in Toronto, we provide comprehensive, OHIP-covered consultations and advanced treatment options to help you find lasting relief. Here’s how we support our patients:
Collaborative Care
Pain physicians work with dental and rehabilitation specialists.
Fast Access
OHIP-Covered Consultations
Self-referrals reviewed within 72 hours.
Non-Surgical Options
Interventional pain procedures performed to date
Years of specialized pain management experience
%
Patient-reported satisfaction based on post-visit surveys
Image-guided injections performed monthly
Explore Our Full Range of Pain Management Solutions
Learn about our pain management treatments and explore the options available at Silver Pain Centre.
Book A Consultation By Completing A Self-Referral Today!
If jaw pain, clicking, or difficulty chewing are interfering with your daily life, don’t wait. Our team of physicians and pain specialists at Silver Pain Centre will review your self-referral within 72 hours and guide you through an OHIP-covered consultation — either in person or virtually.