TMJ Pain & Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Gentle, Effective TMJ Treatment – Chiropractor London
If you’ve been waking up with a tight jaw, dull headaches at your temples, or noticing clicking when you chew, you’re not alone.
Jaw pain and teeth grinding (bruxism) are extremely common — especially among busy London professionals juggling work, screens, commuting and stress.
At Angel Chiropractic in Islington, we regularly see patients who didn’t even realise their jaw tension was connected to their neck, posture, or stress levels.
If you’re searching for a Chiropractor London for TMJ pain, here’s what you need to know.
First, What Is the TMJ
Your TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. You use it constantly — talking, chewing, yawning, even swallowing.
When it becomes irritated, you might notice:
Pain near the ear
Clicking or popping
Stiffness when opening wide
Headaches at the temples
Jaw tightness in the morning
But here’s the important part:
Not all jaw pain is the same.
Sometimes it’s a joint problem. Sometimes it’s stress. Very often, it’s a combination of both.
When It’s More of a Mechanical Problem
If your symptoms feel clearly movement-related, it may be a mechanical TMJ issue.
You might notice:
Clicking or locking
One side worse than the other
Pain when chewing
Limited opening
Symptoms starting after dental work or strain
The jaw and neck are closely connected. If your neck is stiff (often from desk posture), your jaw may compensate and become overloaded.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Treatment may include:
Gentle TMJ mobilisation
Releasing tight chewing muscles
Improving neck movement
Posture advice
Simple exercises you can do at home
When movement improves and strain reduces, the jaw often settles.
When It’s More Stress-Related (Teeth Grinding)
If you wake up with jaw tightness, it’s often linked to clenching or grinding during sleep.
Bruxism is very common in people who are:
Busy and high-performing
Under prolonged stress
Sleeping lightly
Drinking a lot of caffeine
Carrying tension in their neck and shoulders
You might notice:
Morning jaw ache
Both sides feeling tight
Temple headaches
Neck and shoulder stiffness
Worn or chipped teeth
This isn’t something you’re consciously choosing to do.
When stress levels rise, your body tightens. The jaw is one of the first places that tension shows up.
Why a Dental Check Is Important
If grinding is suspected, it’s important to see a dentist.
They can:
Check for tooth wear or cracks
Assess your bite
Protect your teeth from damage
The Michigan Plate (Night Guard)
A Michigan plate is a custom-made night guard worn while you sleep.
It:
Protects your teeth
Reduces pressure on the jaw joint
Helps distribute bite forces evenly
It’s an excellent protective tool.
However, it protects the teeth — it doesn’t reduce the stress driving the clenching. That’s where a broader approach is helpful.
The Missing Piece: Your Nervous System
When stress builds up:
Muscles tighten
Breathing becomes shallow
Sleep becomes lighter
Pain sensitivity increases
Clenching increases
For many London professionals, the jaw becomes a “holding area” for tension.
If we only treat the joint and ignore stress, symptoms often return.
The Most Effective Approach
The best results usually come from combining:
✔ Improving jaw and neck movement
✔ Protecting the teeth
✔ Reducing daily stress load
✔ Supporting better sleep
Meditation & Mindfulness for Jaw Tension
Mindfulness isn’t just about relaxation — it helps retrain your stress response.
Over time, regular practice can:
Reduce muscle tension
Improve sleep quality
Increase awareness of daytime clenching
Help your body feel calmer overall
A Simple 5-Minute Jaw Reset
Try this once or twice daily:
Sit upright and relaxed.
Rest your tongue gently on the roof of your mouth.
Let your teeth slightly part.
Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds.
Exhale slowly for 6–8 seconds.
Allow your jaw and shoulders to soften.
During the day, check in with yourself:
“Are my teeth touching?”
A helpful reminder:
Lips together, teeth apart.
Small habits can make a big difference.
When to Seek Professional Help
You should seek advice if you experience:
Jaw locking
Cracked or chipped teeth
Persistent headaches
Severe pain
Difficulty opening your mouth
Early support prevents longer-term problems.
TMJ Treatment & Chiropractor London
If you’re searching for:
Chiropractor London
Chiropractor Islington
TMJ treatment London
Jaw pain treatment near me
Help for teeth grinding
We’re here to help.
If you’re unsure whether your jaw pain is mechanical, stress-related, or both, we’re happy to assess and guide you through the next steps.