Clicking is one of the most common symptoms people notice when they first start having issues with their jaw. For some people it’s simply an annoying noise, while for others it’s accompanied by pain, stiffness, headaches, or episodes of locking.
The good news is that jaw clicking is very common and doesn’t always mean there is a serious problem. However, when the clicking is associated with pain or changes in how your jaw moves, it may be a sign that the joint isn’t functioning as well as it should.
What is the TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull. You have one TMJ on each side of your face, just in front of your ears.
These joints work together every time you talk, chew, yawn, laugh, or swallow. Unlike many other joints in the body, both TMJs must coordinate closely with one another to allow smooth and comfortable movement.
Within each joint sits a small cartilage disc that helps the jaw move efficiently and absorb forces generated during everyday activities.
What Causes Jaw Clicking?
A clicking sound often occurs when the cartilage disc inside the joint is not moving quite as smoothly as it should.
As you open and close your mouth, the jaw bone and cartilage disc normally move together. Sometimes the disc can become slightly displaced. When this happens, the jaw may produce a clicking or popping sound as the disc moves back into position during movement.
This is one of the most common causes of jaw clicking and can occur with or without pain.
Other causes of jaw noises can include muscle tightness around the jaw, altered movement patterns, joint stiffness, or changes to the joint surfaces themselves.
Is Jaw Clicking Something to Worry About?
Not necessarily! Many people have a clicking jaw for years without experiencing pain or limitations in daily life. In these cases, treatment may not be required.
However, a clicking jaw can sometimes indicate increased stress on the joint or surrounding muscles. Over time, some people notice symptoms such as:
- Pain around the jaw
- Difficulty chewing certain foods
- Headaches
- Ear discomfort or fullness
- Jaw fatigue
- Reduced jaw opening
- Episodes where the jaw feels stuck or locked
If symptoms are becoming more frequent or affecting your daily activities, it is worth having the joint assessed.
What’s the Difference Between Clicking and Locking?
A clicking jaw and a locking jaw are not the same thing.
Clicking usually means the jaw continues to move relatively normally despite the noise. Locking occurs when movement becomes restricted and the jaw may become difficult to open or close.
Some people describe their jaw as catching before it continues to move, while others experience episodes where they cannot open their mouth fully.
Locking can be uncomfortable and frustrating, and seeking professional advice if this occurs is recommended.
What About Grinding or Crunching Noises?
Not all jaw noises sound like a click. Some people notice a grinding, crackling, or crunching sensation when they move their jaw. These sounds can be related to changes within the joint itself, stiffness, or altered movement patterns.
While these noises are not always painful, they can provide useful information about how the joint is functioning and should be considered as part of a thorough assessment.
When Should You Have Your Jaw Assessed?
It’s worth getting your jaw checked if you experience:
- Pain when chewing, talking, or yawning
- Frequent headaches alongside jaw symptoms
- Jaw locking or catching
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Persistent stiffness
- Symptoms that are worsening over time
The sooner contributing issues are identified, the easier they can often be to address.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
TMJ physiotherapy aims to identify why the symptoms have developed and what factors may be placing additional stress on the joint.
A physiotherapist may assess your jaw movement, muscle function, posture, neck mobility, and habits such as clenching or grinding.
Treatment may include hands-on therapy, exercises, movement retraining, advice regarding jaw habits, and strategies to reduce unnecessary strain on the joint.
Because the jaw and neck are closely connected, treatment often addresses both areas to help improve overall function.
In Summary
A clicking jaw is common and, on its own, isn’t always a cause for concern. However, if the clicking is accompanied by pain, locking, headaches, or difficulty chewing, it may indicate that the joint is not functioning optimally.
A TMJ assessment can help determine what’s contributing to your symptoms and provide strategies to improve comfort, movement, and long-term jaw health.
If you need help with your TMJ, you can book with one of our Physios who have additional training in TMJ treatment, you can:
