For most people, the simple act of eating an apple or tucking into a burger is largely taken for granted.

But for people with TMJ dysfunction such everyday tasks can turn into a painful chore.

TMJ stands for Temporal Mandibular Joint – or in simple terms, the jaw, which may have impaired function.

We’ve all had times when our jaws have clicked occasionally, but long-term sufferers experience a variety of problems, and it has an adverse affect on their everyday lives.

Lisa Carroll, Doctor of Chiropractic at Lilliput Health in Poole explained: “People with TMJ dysfunction will often use coping mechanisms to release the jaw such as biting the lip, chewing gum, clenching the jaw or rubbing the cheeks.

“And anatomically, the jaw is very closely related to the neck (cervical spine). If the TMJ is not working correctly, the body compensates by extending the neck backwards to help open the jaw.

“This can cause undue stress on the neck and the stabilising neck muscles”.

In addition the muscles around the jaw may refer pain to the scalp and head region creating the sensation of a headache.

“The joints at the top of the neck share the same nerve supply as the areas of skin on the head,” said Lisa.

“If the cervical nerves become irritated, this may cause pain signals to be transmitted, which are perceived as pain in the head and can contribute to headaches.”

It’s not just the act of eating that can create a clicking joint and pain for those with jaw problems. The TMJ is also used during talking, swallowing and even kissing.

The causes of TMJ dysfunction may include a poor sleeping position, sporting injuries and accidents along with muscle imbalances from birth or childhood. There is also the natural wear and tear of the joint, which may occur naturally with age or improper joint position from over use. This type of imbalance is similar to arthritis experienced in many of the spinal joints.

Luckily there are ways to relieve it.

Dentists will help correct the problem with mouth splints or specialist orthodontics, while chiropractors use release techniques on the jaw, which are very gentle and help to free the area.

Generally, the neck will also be assessed, too.