What is TMJ and Do I have it?!

Written By Lindsay Langlais

Hello all you jaw pain sufferers! We’re writing this series of blogs for you to help answer some common questions about jaw pain. When you’re done this blog, check out our other 3 (coming shortly!) 

  • Jaw Pain and Stress

  • How your Jaw can cause Pain ALL OVER your body! 

  • How to stop clenching/ grinding 

But first of all, let’s answer your question…


What is TMJ and do you have it? 

“TMJ” simply stands for “Temporomandibular Joint”. That’s the joint where your lower jaw attaches to your skull right in front of your ear. So technically, everyone has TMJ- actually you have 2 of them 😂

But we know what you meant- “Do I have TMJ- D!?” (Temperomandibular joint DYSFUNCTION!) which is the condition when there is irritation and pain at this joint. 



TMJD is actually a really broad umbrella term for essentially any issue that could affect this joint so if you are googling this question, the answer is probably yes! Some people think you only have TMJD if your jaw locks or freezes on you. But that’s not true. You have TMJD if you experience any of the following: 

  • Pain in the TMJ joint in front of your ear ( sometimes felt inside the ear too!) 

  • Pain lower down on any of the muscles of the jaw or the muscles on the side of the head. 

  • Clicking, popping or snapping when opening or closing 

  • And definitely if your jaw locks closed or locks open! 


What to do about TMJD 

Many people who suffer with TMJD go straight to a dentist. And while they have great knowledge about all things oral health and may have a few tricks up your sleeve to help you… you need to keep in mind that this is a muscle and joint injury! 

So as such, you need to go see a muscle and joint specialist. Specifically one well versed in working on the jaw because not all are. 


At our clinic, our 2 TMJ specialists are: Brooke and Lindsay. 


When you see a therapist whose focus in on more than just the mouth, you will get treatment that addresses

  • Muscle imbalances in the jaw 

  • Improving how the joint (TMJ) is able to glide to allow opening and closing 

  • How the TMJ is affecting the rest of your body and potentially contributing to pain you have elsewhere (check out this blog all about it!) 

  • Guidance about managing stress (check out this blog for more about that!) 

  • Addressing imbalances through the bones of the skull, neck muscles and vertebrae 

  • Exercises to improve your “mouth posture” to take the strain and stress off the jaw. 


So please, don’t think you’re only options for TMJ are dental work, injections (ouch), night guards (which actually make the issue worse for a lot of people), or just suffering it out. 






Click the button to  request a 30 minute FREE First session with either Brooke or Lindsay to find out EXACTLY what is causing your unique jaw pain and what can be done to resolve it! 

Request a Free First Session



Lindsay Langlais
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Bulging Disc/ Disc Herniation