Lorraine Carroll MPhty, BSc Physio, CMA

Many people with temporomandibular disorder, often called TMD, notice symptoms in places that seem separate from the jaw joint. You might feel aching in or around the ear, pressure or fullness in the ear, temple pain, headaches, facial aching, tooth pain, neck stiffness, or pain at the base of the skull. This can be confusing, especially when ear checks, dental checks, scans, or hearing tests come back normal. It may leave you wondering, “If nothing is showing up, why does it still hurt?” The...

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are reported more often in women than men, and research consistently shows a clear sex difference in both prevalence and incidence of TMD-related pain.

Many people wake up with a sore jaw, tight neck, or even headaches — without knowing that the real culprit might be happening while they sleep. Clenching and grinding your teeth (also called bruxism) is more common than most realise, and it can have a lasting effect on your teeth, jaw, and overall comfort.