Jaw Pain Treatment for Alstonville
A jaw that aches, clicks or is tight in the morning is rarely just a jaw problem; the neck is usually involved too. North Coast Head Neck & Jaw Centre is an osteopathy practice that treats only head, neck and jaw conditions. Both our clinics are about 15 minutes from Alstonville.
Why we treat the jaw and neck together
The jaw does not work in isolation. Its position and movement depend on the upper neck, and the muscles that close it share nerve supply with those that hold the head up. When one is tense the other follows, which is why jaw pain so often comes with neck stiffness, and why treating the jaw alone can leave the problem half-solved.
Appointments are with Dr Leon Erdrich, an AHPRA registered osteopath who has focused his practice and his teaching at Southern Cross University on the head, neck and jaw. The clinic treats nothing else, so the assessment of the joint, the chewing muscles and the neck goes further than a general appointment usually can. We explain what we find before starting, coordinate with your dentist where a splint or dental work is involved, and tell you at the first visit if we do not think we can help.
Read more on our jaw and orofacial pain page. If headaches come with the jaw pain, our headache page for Alstonville may also help.
Also treated at both clinics
Jaw pain often brings headaches, neck pain or dizziness with it. We assess and treat all of them, so one appointment covers the lot.
Headaches
We help uncover the cause of your headaches, whether from neck tension, jaw dysfunction or nerve irritation. Treatment is tailored to reduce frequency and intensity.
Migraine
Migraine is a complex condition often linked to the nervous system. We support your recovery through manual therapy, lifestyle advice and trigger management.
Whiplash & Neck Pain
Neck pain after injury or strain can affect movement, sleep and posture. We provide targeted treatment and self care strategies to support healing.
Vertigo & Dizziness
Balance issues and dizziness can be linked to the neck, jaw or inner ear. We assess your symptoms and guide you through rehab and recovery.
Where to find us
Ballina is about 15 minutes down the Bruxner and runs Monday, Thursday and Friday. Lismore is a similar drive the other way and adds Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday mornings.
Ballina Clinic
- Ballina Health Centre 32 Tamar Street Ballina NSW 2478
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Mon: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Thu: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Fri: 8:00am – 4:00pm
Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun: Closed - Parking is directly out the front of the clinic.
Lismore Clinic
- Hinterland Osteopathy 32 Molesworth Street Lismore NSW 2480
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Tue: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Wed: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Thu: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Sat: 8:30am – 12:30pm
Mon, Fri, Sun: Closed - Street parking on Zadoc Street or Molesworth Street, a two to three minute walk.
Symptoms worth assessing
- Waking with a sore jaw, tight face or aching teeth
- Clicking or grinding sounds when you chew
- Pain in front of the ear with no ear cause found
- A jaw that catches, deviates or sometimes will not open fully
- Temple headaches alongside jaw tightness
- Worn or chipped teeth your dentist has commented on
A jaw that locks and cannot be closed, or jaw pain with chest pain, needs urgent medical care.
Common questions
I grind at night. Can osteopathy stop it?
Night grinding is usually managed with a splint from your dentist. What we do is release the overworked muscles, treat the joint and neck, and reduce daytime clenching, which together lower the load on the jaw.
Why is my jaw worse in the morning?
Morning pain almost always points to clenching or grinding overnight. It is common with stress and poor sleep, and sometimes with sleep apnoea, which is worth raising with your GP if you snore or wake unrefreshed.
Can a neck problem cause jaw pain?
Yes. A stiff upper neck changes head posture and the resting position of the jaw, which can create jaw pain with no dental cause. It is one reason we assess both.
I have had braces. Is that relevant?
It can be. Orthodontic changes to the bite can alter how the joint loads. Tell us about any orthodontic history at your first visit.
How long does it take to improve?
It depends on the cause and how long it has been there. We will give you a realistic estimate after the first assessment rather than a promise up front.
What will you check at the first appointment?
Jaw movement, the joint on each side, the chewing muscles and the neck, after going through your history. It runs an hour, and treatment usually starts in the same session.
Does it matter which clinic I choose for jaw treatment?
No. Same osteopath and shared records at both. Ballina runs Monday, Thursday and Friday; Lismore Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday mornings, so pick by the day that suits.
How much is jaw treatment, and is a referral needed?
$170 for the initial consultation, $125 for follow-ups, and no referral is required. HICAPS handles health fund claims at the clinic, and a GP management plan attracts a $61.80 Medicare rebate.
How to book
Book online, choose Ballina or Lismore, and select an initial consultation. New patients pay a 50% deposit at booking. Fees and what to bring are on our patient information page.
Book an appointment
An hour with an osteopath who treats only head, neck and jaw conditions, 15 minutes from Alstonville. No referral needed, and we are happy to work alongside your dentist. If you would like to talk it through first, get in touch.