Why does my jaw click or lock? TMJ clicking explained
A jaw that clicks when you yawn, chew or open wide is very common, and in most people it's harmless. Clicking that comes with pain, or a jaw that gets stuck, deserves more attention.
Why does my jaw click?
The jaw joint (temporomandibular joint, or TMJ) has a small disc of cartilage between the jaw bone and the skull. If the disc sits slightly forward of its usual position, the jaw clicks as it moves back over the disc when opening, and sometimes again when closing. This is called disc displacement with reduction.
Is jaw clicking a problem?
Painless clicking on its own is common and usually doesn't need treatment. It often comes and goes over the years. Clicking becomes worth assessing if it's painful, getting louder or more frequent, or the jaw starts to catch or lock.
Why does my jaw get stuck or lock?
If the disc doesn't move back into place, the jaw can briefly catch, and you may need to wiggle it to open fully. A two-year study of people with clicking jaws found that intermittent locking may indicate the disc is becoming less able to reduce, though this was rarely followed by permanent locking; in some, the clicking simply stopped (Kalaykova et al., Journal of Orofacial Pain, 2010).
What causes jaw clicking and pain?
Clenching and grinding, especially at night, chewing gum or hard foods, opening very wide, stress, an injury to the jaw, and poor neck posture can all contribute. Many people with jaw pain also have neck pain and headaches.
See our post on morning headaches.
What helps a clicking jaw?
Rest the jaw from heavy use: choose softer foods for a while, cut food into small pieces, avoid gum, and avoid opening very wide, for example by supporting your jaw with your hand when yawning. Keep your teeth apart and jaw relaxed during the day, with the tongue resting on the roof of the mouth. Heat on the jaw muscles can ease tightness.
Does physiotherapy or manual therapy help?
A systematic review of 51 trials found physiotherapy approaches, particularly manual therapy and therapeutic exercise, were generally associated with reduced pain and improved jaw movement and function in temporomandibular disorders, with benefits mainly in the short term and limitations in study quality (Skorupa-Strojna et al., Scandinavian Journal of Pain, 2026).
What exercises help?
Gentle, controlled opening with the tongue on the roof of the mouth, keeping the jaw moving straight rather than shifting sideways; gentle side-to-side movements; and relaxation of the jaw and neck muscles. Avoid forcing the jaw open or making it click repeatedly on purpose.
Do I need a splint?
A night splint from your dentist can help if you grind or clench at night. It's most useful for pain and tooth wear; it doesn't always stop clicking.
What if my jaw is locked and won't open?
A jaw that suddenly won't open fully and doesn't release, or won't close, should be assessed promptly by your dentist or doctor. Gentle treatment and exercises often help a jaw that has stopped opening fully over time.
Could it be something else?
Ear pain, toothache, sinus problems and, rarely, nerve conditions can mimic jaw pain. Jaw pain with chest pain, breathlessness or sweating can be a heart attack and needs a call to 000. Jaw pain when chewing in people over 50, with scalp tenderness, headache or vision changes, needs urgent medical review.
How long does jaw clicking and pain last?
Painful flare-ups usually settle over a few weeks with simple measures. Clicking itself may persist without causing problems.
Is jaw clicking linked to neck pain?
Often. The jaw and upper neck muscles work together, and forward head posture changes how the jaw sits. Many people with jaw pain also have neck pain and tension headaches, so we usually assess and treat both.
See our post on tech neck.
Can I stop my jaw clicking?
Not always, and you don't need to if it's painless. The goal of treatment is less pain, more comfortable chewing and opening, and fewer episodes of catching or locking.
Can stress make jaw clicking worse?
Yes. Stress tends to increase clenching during the day and grinding at night, which loads the jaw joint and muscles. Noticing when you clench, during driving, screen work or exercise, and relaxing the jaw with lips together and teeth apart, is one of the most useful habits to build.
How can an osteopath help?
We assess the jaw, neck and posture, treat the jaw and neck muscles and joints hands-on, and teach exercises and habits to reduce strain. We work with your dentist where a splint or dental assessment is needed.
See our posts on jaw pain and TMJ and our jaw pain page. Book an assessment at our Berwick clinic. A 60-minute initial consultation is $149, with no referral needed and HICAPS on-site.
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Book an initial consultation at RISE Sports & Spinal in Berwick. Clear diagnosis, hands-on treatment, and a plan that actually gets you better.
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