Jaw Pain Treatment for Evans Head
Jaw pain is often mistaken for an ear or sinus problem and goes through several appointments before anyone looks at the jaw. North Coast Head Neck & Jaw Centre is an osteopathy practice that treats only head, neck and jaw conditions. Our Ballina clinic is half an hour north of Evans Head, and we also have a clinic in Lismore.
Jaw pain that gets mistaken for something else
The jaw joint sits directly in front of the ear, and the muscles that work it run up to the temple and down into the neck. So jaw problems frequently show up as earache, ear fullness, ringing, sinus-like face pain or temple headaches, and go through several appointments before anyone looks at the jaw.
You will see Dr Leon Erdrich, an AHPRA registered osteopath with a special interest in treating the head, neck and jaw and a clinical educator in the osteopathy program at Southern Cross University. Because the practice treats only these conditions, the jaw joint, the chewing muscles and the neck are assessed together at the first appointment. We explain what we find, work alongside your dentist, and say plainly if the problem is not one we can help with.
Read more on our jaw and orofacial pain page. If headaches come with the jaw pain, our headache page for Evans Head may also help.
Where to find us
Ballina is half an hour north of Evans Head and runs Monday, Thursday and Friday. Lismore is further inland 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.
What happens at your first appointment
Allow an hour. We start with the history: when the pain began, whether it followed dental work, an injury or a stressful period, and whether you grind or clench. We then assess how the jaw moves, feel the joint on each side, examine the chewing muscles from outside and, where helpful, inside the mouth with gloves, and check the neck. Findings are explained as we go and treatment usually begins in the same session.
Common questions
My ear hurts but the doctor says my ears are fine. Could it be my jaw?
Quite possibly. The jaw joint is right in front of the ear canal, and TMD commonly presents as earache, fullness or ringing with a normal ear exam. It is one of the most frequent reasons people find their way to us.
I have worn dentures for years. Can that affect the jaw?
Yes. Dentures that no longer fit well change the bite and can overload the joint and muscles. We can assess the jaw and, if the fit is the issue, suggest you see your dentist.
Can arthritis affect the jaw joint?
It can, in the same way it affects other joints. Stiffness, grinding sounds and morning pain are typical. Treatment focuses on keeping the joint moving and reducing muscle overload.
Is jaw treatment safe for older adults?
Yes. Treatment is adapted to you, we assess before we treat, and gentler techniques are used where appropriate.
Could my jaw be behind my headaches?
Often. Jaw muscle tension refers into the temples and the sides of the head, and it is a common headache driver in people who clench. We assess both at once.
Is treatment painful?
Some muscle work can be uncomfortable for a moment, particularly inside the mouth, but it should not be painful. We adjust pressure to you and explain each step first.
How many visits does jaw pain usually take?
Jaw problems often need a few closely spaced visits early on, then less often. We plan follow-ups around the drive and give you things to do at home between them.
Can I book without seeing my GP?
Yes. No referral is required. Bring any imaging or dental reports that relate to the jaw, and if you have a GP management plan bring that so we can process the $61.80 Medicare rebate. Health fund claims go through HICAPS.
Also assessed at the same appointment
Jaw pain, headaches, neck stiffness and dizziness often travel together. We treat all four, so nothing gets missed.
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.
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, half an hour from Evans Head. No referral needed, and we are happy to work alongside your dentist. If you would like to talk it through first, get in touch.