From Clicks and Clenching to Comfort: A Real Story of Jaw Pain Relief

Jaw pain can be surprisingly disruptive — from discomfort while eating, to tension that lingers through the day, to the unsettling click every time you open your mouth. It’s not just annoying; it’s exhausting. And for many adults over 35, it creeps in gradually, often tied to stress, poor posture, and habits like clenching or grinding (bruxism).

At our practice in Buderim, we recently worked with a patient who came to us with this exact problem. While his case was complex, it’s also very common — and worth sharing for anyone wondering whether help is available.

Let’s call him James.

The Problem: Long-Term Jaw Tension, Clicking, and Locking

James came to us with a history of ongoing left-sided jaw pain. He described a dull, constant ache that flared up with chewing or stress, often first thing in the morning. He’d also noticed occasional locking and an unsettling clicking sensation when opening his mouth — all classic signs of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction.

A thorough assessment revealed a few key patterns:

• Forward head posture was placing extra strain on his jaw and neck

• His cervical spine (especially the upper neck) showed stiffness and tenderness

• The muscles around his jaw — particularly the masseter and pterygoid — were overactive and tense

• There was a soft click on opening, consistent with TMJ disc displacement with reduction

• He was unable to open his mouth fully

Add to that a busy lifestyle, long hours at a desk, and no real idea how to manage the problem, and it’s easy to see how things had slowly built up over time.

The Plan: Hands-On Treatment + Self-Management

Together, we mapped out a treatment plan that combined:

• Manual therapy to release tension and restore movement in the jaw and neck

• Dry needling and medical acupuncture to calm overactive muscles

• Targeted exercises to support jaw control and neck mobility

• Education around posture, bruxism, and ergonomics

  
  

This wasn't about a quick fix. It was about helping James understand his body, feel more in control, and build habits that would protect his jaw long term.

We expected around 6–8 sessions, depending on how he responded and how consistently he could stick to his exercises at home.

The Outcome: Pain-Free, Clicking Reduced, Confidence Restored

After five sessions, James reported no more jaw pain. He could chew comfortably again and no longer woke up feeling tense on one side. A very soft clicking sound remained on rare occasions — but importantly, it no longer bothered him, and he knew what to do if it worsened again.

His neck stiffness had also fully resolved.

What made the biggest difference, in his own words, was finally understanding why this was happening and feeling like there was a clear plan in place — not just for treatment, but for maintenance. He’s now continuing with his home program, and we’ve let him know that a top-up session down the track is always an option if needed.

Do You Wake Up with Jaw Tension or Experience Clicking When You Eat?

James’s story isn’t unusual. Many people live with low-level jaw or neck discomfort, assuming it’s just something they have to put up with. But often, it’s treatable — especially with an approach that looks at the full picture: posture, habits, stress, and how your jaw and neck actually move.

At Dental Physiotherapy with Lorraine Carroll & Simon Coghlan, we bring years of hands-on experience to help people across the Sunshine Coast improve function, reduce pain, and feel confident in their own bodies again.

If you’re ready to get to the bottom of your jaw pain, we’re here to help.

By Simon Coghlan

Book an appointment today📍 Suite 2, 24–26 Gloucester Road, Buderim, QLD 4556📞 07 3532 8605🌐 www.lcscphysiotherapy.com.au🗓️ Book online here