Stress can be the root of many health issues, but one of the lesser-known effects is when it comes to the temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). This condition can cause pain around the jaw joint and can particularly affect Bend’s active professionals. It can lead to problems such as jaw locking, difficulty eating, and long-lasting headaches. Identifying the root of TMJ pain and taking steps to alleviate stress is key to managing the condition.
What is TMJ Pain?
TMJ is a common condition that can cause pain and discomfort in the muscles and joint that control the jaw. It can be the result of injury, genetic factors, and arthritis, but stress and anxiety can be one of the main causes. People suffering from TMJ may notice a clicking or popping when opening or closing the mouth, pain in and around the jaw, difficulty chewing and speaking, ear pain, and headaches.
How Does Stress Affect TMJ Pain?
Stress can have a physical effect on the body, including the muscles, and can manifest itself in many different ways. When pounds down in Bend’s active professionals, stress will often cause the muscles around the jaw to become strained and fatigued. This can lead to muscle spasm and inflammation, contributing to TMJ pain.
Stress is also a likely culprit for jaw clenching and teeth grinding, which can put significant pressure on the jaw joint, leading to TMJ pain. Many people clench their teeth in their sleep without even realizing it, causing tension in the jaw muscles and joints on a nightly basis.
How Can Stress be Managed to Prevent TMJ Pain?
The first step to preventing TMJ pain is to recognize and acknowledge stress. Once stress is identified as a possible cause of TMJ pain, steps can be taken to reduce or eliminate the root problem. Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, can help reduce stress and tension in the body. Deep muscle relaxation exercises, such as yoga or Tai Chi, can also help relieve muscle tension.
Psychological counselling or therapy can also help those affected by stress become more aware of what triggers anxiety in them, and develop coping skills to prevent these triggers from leading to TMJ discomfort. It can also help individuals reframe their mindset about the stress of day-to-day life, leading to a more centered and calm outlook.
Orthodontic treatment can help prevent TMJ pain especially in younger people with misaligned bites. If a person is grinding their teeth at night, a nighttime mouth guard may help prevent damage and reduce TMJ symptoms. Consulting with a dentist can be helpful in discussing treatment options.
Exercising regularly to maintain healthy levels of physical activity can help reduce overall levels of stress and anxiety and can also help to reduce TMJ pain. Exercise has been well-documented as a way for individuals to both reduce and prevent stress-related illness.
It is also important to minimize overall stress in life. This may mean learning to say no to extra work or obligations and turning off electronic devices before bed to allow the mind to rest and recuperate.
In Conclusion: Stress in Bend Active Professionals Can Trigger TMJ Pain
Stress, and the resulting muscle tension, can be a root cause for TMJ pain in Bend’s active professionals. Practicing relaxation techniques, engaging in physical activity, and minimizing overall stress in life can all help individuals cope with and prevent TMJ pain. Talking to a healthcare professional and incorporating a variety of relaxation and coping strategies can help those experiencing TMJ pain find relief.