Pain in and around the jaw can occur for a variety of reasons, but often there is a pattern of excessive muscle tension or altered muscle action around the jaw, which contributes to the problem.

Seemingly innocuous life habits such as chewing gum, biting nails or chewing pencils can all have an impact on the way our jaws function.

Pain in and around the jaw can make eating very difficult and can even stop you from laughing or yawning easily. Jaw problems are also often linked with headaches.

Physiotherapy can help to loosen the joint movement and correct the muscle action. A physiotherapy treatment programme is also likely to include work on associated areas such as the neck.