Stress and Jaw Pain
Patients who are under high levels of stress may experience jaw pain. The jaw joint and stress can be connected with increased levels of stress resulting in jaw discomfort.
Stress is our body’s natural reaction to harmful situations. People who are consistently under high levels of stress can also experience physical side effects. Clenching of the teeth puts increased pressure on the jaw joint and added stress on the muscles. Chronic clenching and grinding of the teeth can cause a sore jaw, tooth pain, muscle pain, or persistent headaches. Sometimes patients find relief from these symptoms with improved stress management. Common stress reduction techniques are listed below:
1. Acceptance: Accept things which are out of your control and avoid an angry response. It can be helpful to create a practice of gratitude and even maintain a list of things you are grateful for.
2. Healthy lifestyle: Work to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes a balanced sleep schedule and getting about eight hours of sleep daily. Exercise prompts your body to naturally release endorphins. Find something that is enjoyable and easy to maintain such as biking, playing tennis, running, or walking.
3. Preparation: Identify situations which are stressful and plan ahead. Set realistic goals and prioritize the things which are most important. Learn how to say “no” and be sure to ask for help if you need it.
4. Relaxation: Balance unavoidable stress with relaxing activities such as meditation, music, hobbies, intentional breathing, yoga or anything which is positive and aids in reducing stress.
5. Response: Train yourself to control you response to situations where stress is unavoidable. Slowly take a deep breath, count to three, and exhale. Separate your emotional response from the situation.
6. Triggers: Identify and take not of things which trigger stress. Keeping a log or journal can aid in identifying patterns.
One of the most common causes for jaw pain is bruxism or teeth grinding. Chronic grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaw can result in discomfort in addition to damaging the teeth. Many patients grind their teeth in their sleep and may not even be aware of the habit until the dentist identifies the problem.
Dentists often recommend the use of a night guard to aid in protecting a patient’s teeth from grinding. Night guards work by creating a barrier between the teeth. Guards are created from a softer silicone material and can be custom-made or purchased over-the-counter. Night guards are an affordable way to protect the teeth and minimize jaw pain from grinding.
Some patients who experience persistent jaw pain find relief from working with a physical therapist. The physical therapist will use manipulation, massage, dry needling, and other techniques to help reduce the pain. The following are possible benefits of physical therapy:
* Eliminate or decrease frequency of a locked jaw
* Improve range of motion
* Minimize neck discomfort
* Reduce headache frequency and severity
* Restore function and eliminate dietary restrictions
Patients should take their jaw pain seriously and follow up with their dentist to determine the cause. Untreated jaw pain can result in serious, long-term consequences.