Stress can cause clenching of the jaw and teeth grinding, which can lead to pain and tightness.
It’s no secret that stress can cause all sorts of problems in our lives. From making us feel anxious and overwhelmed to leading to physical health issues, like muscle tension and headaches, stress can be a real challenge. But did you know that stress may also be responsible for your jaw pain? Read on to find out more about the link between stress and TMJ, and what you should do if you are experiencing any uncomfortable symptoms…
What are the symptoms of TMJ disorders?
TMJ disorders can cause a number of uncomfortable symptoms, including pain in and around the jaw joint, as well as locking of the temporomandibular joints. Although each person is different, some other common symptoms include ear and face pain; jaw clicking and grinding; chronic headaches and migraines; back pain; neck ache; fatigue; and shoulder pain.
TMJ disorders can be very difficult to diagnose because many of these symptoms can be caused by other factors. For this reason, it is so important to take a holistic approach to the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ-related problems so that any underlying causes can be identified or ruled out.
Can stress cause jaw pain?
Those who feel stressed and anxious often clench their jaw or grind their teeth at night without realising it. Stress can also cause one to clench and hold tension in the jaw throughout the day. These actions of grinding and clenching can lead to jaw tightness, as well as pain that worsens over time. Jaw pain and tightness may be exacerbated by actions like biting, chewing, and talking.
Besides jaw pain and tightness, stress can also causes other uncomfortable symptoms, such as tension headaches, fatigue, and muscles pain.
How can stress be treated?
Stress is a serious concern for many people and the reality is that there is no single way in which the issue can be resolved. Every individual is different, so it is helpful to try to understand the cause of your stress so that it can be effectively managed. It is advisable to discuss your concerns with a health practitioner, such as a doctor or therapist, as they will be able to help you get to the root of your stress and come up with a plan to alleviate your symptoms.
Certain lifestyle choices can be helpful in managing stress. These include mediation, deep breathing exercises, getting enough sleep and exercise, eating a nutrient-rich diet, and making sure that you make time to rest.
How can we help?
If you are suffering from jaw tightness and pain and suspect that stress and/or anxiety may be a contributing factor, we can help. We understand that the foundation of your problem may be a combination of different causes and we will work with you to find a course of action that is appropriate for you.
At TMJ Centre Melbourne, our team of dentists and chiropractors offers a range of services to help keep you in good health. If you are struggling from the symptoms of TMJ disorder, we encourage you to come in and see us so that we can customise a treatment plan best suited to your needs.
Our team takes a holistic approach to the treatment of TMJ disorders and pain. When you come in and see us, we will begin with a comprehensive diagnosis to determine if your symptoms are caused by a jaw problem, or another part of your body. We will assess the structure of your body before coming up with a specially tailored treatment plan.
When it comes to your treatment, your unique plan may include a combination of neuromuscular orthotics, low level laser therapy, trigger point therapy, prolotherapy and treatment of breathing dysfunction if necessary.
To find out more about our range of services or to book an appointment, please contact us here or give us a call on (03) 9417 4038.