TMD Disorder:

Facial pain and TMJ/TMD symptoms are most caused by clenching or grinding (bruxism), often linked to stress, anxiety, lifestyle pressures and—in some patients—menopause-related hormonal change. This overloads the jaw joint and muscles, creating pain that can feel like earache, sinus pain or migraine-type headaches. A dental assessment may be needed to rule out tooth-related causes, but many cases are diagnosed clinically; at Clinic M we offer a tailored, holistic plan that may include MRI where appropriate, targeted physiotherapy (including focused shockwave), diagnostic local anaesthetic blocks, botulinum toxin for painful muscle overactivity, specialist splints in selected cases, plus lifestyle, stress and nutrition support (including DNA-guided IV supplementation where suitable).

Evidence-Based Management of TMD (TMJ Disorder):

The most up-to-date medical evidence, including reviews from the Cochrane Library and major journals, supports a step-by-step approach to treating temporomandibular disorders (TMD/TMJ problems). For most patients, the best results come from starting with conservative, non-surgical care to reduce strain on the jaw joint and calm overactive muscles—such as education, self-management and jaw-friendly habits, stress reduction, improved sleep, and guided exercises or physiotherapy. In some cases, a dental splint may be recommended to protect the teeth and reduce joint loading, although response can vary. Where symptoms are persistent or more complex, additional treatments may be considered including targeted physiotherapy, MRI where appropriate, diagnostic local anaesthetic blocks, or botulinum toxin for painful muscle overactivity in selected patients. If imaging and assessment indicate the pain is coming from within the jaw joint itself, we can offer in-clinic interventions based on sound musculoskeletal (MSK) principles, including confirming the pain source with diagnostic local anaesthetic, restoring joint movement and reducing inflammatory load with saline washout (joint lavage) where appropriate, and—when clinically suitable—considering a PRP–hyaluronic acid (PRP-HA) approach as part of a tailored management plan.

Why would you need to see a Maxillofacial  Surgeon?

If you’ve been told you have a lump in the head and neck—such as a swollen lymph gland, a thyroid lump, or a salivary gland swelling—it’s completely understandable to feel worried, especially while waiting for an appointment. At Clinic M, we can offer an expert clinical assessment supported by in-clinic ultrasound, which often provides a much clearer picture of whether a lump looks benign or suspicious. Where appropriate, we can perform ultrasound assessment of lymph nodes, the thyroid, and the salivary glands, and if needed we can arrange or perform a focused needle biopsy to help clarify the diagnosis. In many cases, the most valuable outcome is reassurance—bringing your symptoms, examination findings and ultrasound features together to give you an informed, confident opinion, and if anything does require further investigation, we can make an appropriate onward referral promptly.