What Is TMJ?
TMJ is a hinge-like joint that is found on either side of the face. It gives your mouth the ability to move up and down, to move forward and backwards, and to move to the right and to the left. Once the muscles of the joint or those surrounding it are strained or irritated, the condition is commonly known as a TMJ disorder or TMD. If you begin to notice ongoing discomfort, searching for dentists near me can help you find a professional who can properly evaluate your symptoms. Common symptoms include:
- Jaw pain and soreness
- Problems with chewing or talking.
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Ear or facial pain
- Jaw movements where there is clicking or popping.
The symptoms may be mild or severe and may disrupt normal life in case they are not managed.
How Stress Triggers TMJ Pain
Stress not only has an impact on your mood but also on your body and functionality but in the long run, when stressed over a long time or repeatedly, stress can cause harm to your muscles and joints.
Muscle Tension
Stress results in tightening of muscles in the whole body such as the jaw, neck and the shoulders. With time, this stress may put undue stress on the TMJ and the muscles involved in jaw movement and making them painful, stiff, and producing limited movement.
Clenching (Bruxism) and Teeth Grinding (Bruxism).
Clenching the jaw or grinding the teeth is one of the most common forms of physical body reactions to stress, which is usually done in an unconscious or sleep-like manner. This condition is referred to as bruxism and puts TMJ and chewing muscles under a lot of pressure. The repetitive grinding may cause inflammation, muscle fatigue and irritation of the joint, which forms or aggravates the symptoms of TMJ in the long run.
Increased Sensitivity to Pain.
Chronic stress not only tenses the muscles, but it also influences pain perception in the nervous system. The prolonged presence of stress increases the sensitivity of neurotransmitters and pain pathways, i.e., the slightest irritation of the jaw is experienced as severe pain.
Compounding Habit Patterns
Stress may cause secondary habits to indirectly exacerbate TMJ pain. Nail biting, chewing a lot of gum and gripping the jaw tightly when one is stressed are all forms of added stress on the jaw muscles and the TMJ.
Treatment of Stress-Related TMJ Pain.
Stress is such a great factor that it can be effective to deal with the physical and emotional stimuli:
Relaxation exercises Deep breathing, meditation and yoga are able to alleviate muscle tension in the whole body.
Heat/cold therapy – This involves the use of warmth or ice to reduce muscle tightness and pain in the jaw.
Avoiding provocative foods and actions – the less chewing hard or sticky food, and the gum.
Exercise -regular exercise is beneficial since it helps to control stress hormones and enhance muscle performance.
Good Sleeping habits – enough sleep lowers the level of stress and clenching of the jaw at night.
Finally, a stressful coping approach along with professional help can greatly decrease the TMJ pain and enhance the quality of life.