Have you ever experienced jaw pain or discomfort coming out of nowhere? You may be suffering from temporomandibular joint dysfunction, commonly known as TMJ. While many factors can contribute to TMJ, stress is a major trigger for this painful condition. Research has shown that many people develop tmj from stress and tension in the jaw muscles.
In this guide, we’ll explore how stress can lead to TMJ pain and discomfort and some effective strategies for temporomandibular joint dysfunction stress management. Discover how stress impacts your jaw health and what you can do to take control.
What is TMJ?
The TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is a complex joint located on both sides of the face. It is a hinge-like joint responsible for jaw movement when eating or speaking. It connects the lower jaw to the base of the skull.
TMJ disorders, also known as TMD, refer to conditions that affect the TMJ and the surrounding muscles, nerves, and tissues. TMJ disorders can cause various symptoms, including:
- jaw pain
- difficulty chewing or speaking
- neck pain
- headaches
- ear pain
- facial pain
- clicking or popping sounds when you open or close your mouth
These common symptoms can range from mild to severe and can interfere with your daily activities.
Read More: What is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)?
Can TMJ Cause Stress?
While stress is a common trigger for TMJ, the condition can also cause stress in those who suffer from it. The chronic pain and discomfort associated with TMJ can make it challenging to acquire a good night’s sleep, resulting to an increase in stress levels.
Many people with TMJ report difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling rested due to the discomfort and pain they experience in their jaw joints. This lack of quality sleep can lead to daytime fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating, all of which can contribute to stress and anxiety.
Additionally, the stress of dealing with chronic pain and its impact on daily life can take a toll on mental and emotional well-being. Therefore, addressing TMJ symptoms as soon as possible is important to minimize the impact on sleep and overall stress levels.
Read Also: How Do You Know If You Have TMJ Disorder Or Lockjaw?
Ways to Reduce Stress From TMJ Symptoms
You might not get adequate sleep if you’re dealing with TMJ symptoms. Instead, you’ll notice that your levels of stress are increasing because of the constant pain you’re having.
Here are some strategies to help reduce your stress levels, anxiety, and TMJ pain.
Regular Exercise
Meditating, breathing exercises, or yoga can help calm your mind and body and reduce stress levels. A simple walking activity can distract your mind avoiding anxiety attacks.
Avoid Trigger Foods
Certain foods, such as hard or chewy foods, can worsen TMJ symptoms. Avoiding these foods can help reduce pain and discomfort. You can eat soft and sweet foods to lighten up your mood.
Use Heat or Cold Therapy
Applying heat or cold to your jaw joints can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Practice a Good Sleep Routine
Sleep early and use a soft pillow to support your neck and shoulders while you sleep. Staying up late will drain your energy more and you’ll feel tired in the morning. Your body needs at least six hours of sleep to repair itself.
Seek Professional Help
If your TMJ symptoms are causing significant stress and interfering with your daily life, it may be helpful to seek professional help from a dentist, physical therapist, or mental health provider.
Read Also: Can You Treat TMJ Disorder With Injections?
How to Prevent Stress From TMJ Symptoms
Preventing stress from TMJ symptoms involves addressing the root causes of TMJ disorders. Here are some ways to avoid stress from TMJ symptoms:
Maintain Good Posture
Poor posture can put a strain on your neck and jaw muscles, which can contribute to temporomandibular joint disorders. Maintaining good posture can help reduce this strain and prevent stress from TMJ symptoms.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Gum disease and tooth decay can cause jaw pain and other TMJ symptoms. Practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing regularly and visiting your dentist for regular checkups, can help prevent these issues.
Avoid Clenching and Grinding Your Teeth
Night grinding or clenching or your teeth can pressure your jaw muscles and lead to TMJ disorders. Wearing a mouthguard or seeking treatment for teeth grinding can help prevent these issues.
Manage Stress
Stress is a major trigger for TMJ disorders. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and other stress-reducing activities can help prevent TMJ symptoms.
Seek Early Treatment
If you start to experience TMJ symptoms, seeking treatment early from a dental health professional can help prevent the condition from worsening and causing more stress and discomfort.
TMJ Treatment and Pain Relief
Treatment for TMJ disorders typically involves a combination of self-care strategies, medical interventions, and lifestyle changes. For mild cases, self-care strategies such as using heat or cold therapy, practicing relaxation techniques, and avoiding trigger foods may be sufficient to manage symptoms and relieve muscle pain. Physical therapy may also be recommended to help strengthen the jaw muscles and improve jaw function.
For more severe cases, medical interventions such as prescription medications, dental splints, or mouthguards, and in some cases, surgery may be necessary. Over-the-counter pain medications may be recommended to help manage pain and inflammation.
In addition to medical treatment options, changes in lifestyle, such as stress management, good sleep hygiene, and regular exercise, can also effectively reduce TMJ symptoms and prevent stress-related triggers.
Related Article: Best Proven Home Remedies For TMJ Pain
TMJ’s Frequently Asked Question
Can anxiety cause TMJ?
Yes, TMJ can be caused by anxiety. Anxiety and stress are common triggers for TMJ disorders, as they can cause tension and muscle tightness in the jaw and surrounding muscles.
Anxiety can also contribute to teeth grinding or clenching, which is another common cause of TMJ disorders. Teeth grinding or bruxism can put significant pressure on the jaw muscles leading to TMJ pain and discomfort over time.
How long does TMJ from stress last?
The duration of TMJ symptoms from stress can vary depending on how severe the condition is and the individual’s response to treatment. In some cases, TMJ symptoms from anxiety may last only a few days or weeks and may resolve on their own with self-care strategies such as heat or cold therapy, relaxation techniques, and avoiding trigger foods.
However, if the underlying causes of stress and tension in the jaw muscles are not addressed, TMJ symptoms can persist for months or even years. In these cases, medical interventions such as prescription medications, physical therapy, or surgery may be necessary to provide relief.
Does TMJ get worse with anxiety?
Yes, TMJ can get worse with anxiety. When anxiety levels are high, the muscles in the jaw and face can become tense and overworked, worsening TMJ symptoms. Additionally, anxiety can contribute to teeth grinding or clenching, putting significant pressure on the jaw muscles and leading to TMJ pain and discomfort over time.
Is it OK to not treat TMJ?
It’s not recommended to leave TMJ untreated, as the condition can worsen over time, cause long-term damage to the jaw joint and disabling its proper movement.
Is TMJ temporary or permanent?
The duration of TMJ varies depending on the patient’s condition. For patients who take good care of themselves and get their TMJ treated at once, it would take one to two weeks to relieve them from the pain caused by TMJ.
However, if the TMJ disorder are not addressed, the condition can become chronic and may persist over the long term. Chronic TMJ can cause permanent damage to the jaw joints and surrounding tissues.
What triggers TMJ?
TMJ disorders can have many different triggers, including:
- Stress and anxiety
- Teeth grinding or clenching (Bruxism)
- Trauma or injury
- Arthritis
- Poor posture
- Dental problems
- Eating hard or chewy foods
Contact Garza DDS to Find Out What Causes Your Stress
If you’re experiencing stress caused by TMJ pain and discomfort, it’s important to seek treatment immediately. Dr. Garza is a trusted, professional TMJ dentist in Gilbert, AZ, who can provide expert guidance and treatment options to help you manage your symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening and causing long-term damage. Stress and anxiety are common triggers for TMJ disorders, so addressing these factors as part of your treatment plan is important.
Take action today by speaking with Dr. Garza about your TMJ symptoms and exploring treatment options that can help relieve your pain. Contact Garza DDS today and develop a personalized treatment plan that works for you.