Do you wake up with an aching jaw or a headache, or when you open your mouth, do you hear a popping sound? Yes, then you are probably experiencing TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorder. TMJ is a disorder that occurs in the joint that connects your jaw to your skull and results in facial pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain. What many don’t realize is that stress is one of the leading causes of TMJ symptoms. Fortunately, there are natural approaches for managing the pain, and, if you need more assistance, TMJ treatment in Leduc is an option to help you cope. Let’s look at how stress contributes to TMJ and what natural steps you can take to ease the pain.
What Is TMJ and What Causes Pain?
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that enables you to chew, talk, and yawn. When something goes awry with the muscles and/or the joint itself, it leads to TMJ disorder. Individuals suffering from TMJ may feel pain in one or both sides of their jaw, possibly hear clicks, or not be able to open their mouth wide.
Injuries, teeth grinding, and arthritis all can create TMJ; however, stress is often unrecognized as a cause, but it is prevalent and shouldn’t be overlooked as a cause.
TMJ and Stress’s Relationship
When an individual is under stress, their body responds differently. A reaction is muscle tension when experiencing stress. Your muscles can tighten up, and this is especially common for your jaw/neck. Some people can also clench their teeth or grind their teeth during the daytime or at night without knowing it. Over time, this muscle tension starts to put stress on the jaw joint and can create TMJ-related symptoms.
The TMJ and stress connection is fairly strong, as people often tighten their muscles without realizing it. This puts more stress on the jaw, and increased pain, stiffness, and soreness will occur. This is similar to holding a fist for 6 hours without realizing it; it is tiring, and it hurts at some point.
TMJ Self-Care Techniques That Really Work
The good news is that you can take steps at home to manage your TMJ pain naturally. These simple tips may not only bring you relief but also help prevent the symptoms from getting worse.
1. Relax Your Jaw Muscles
Try placing a warm compress on your jaw for 15-20 minutes. This helps loosen tight muscles and reduce pain. You can also gently massage your jaw and temples in a circular motion.
2. Watch Your Posture
Bad posture, especially while sitting at a desk or using your phone, can put pressure on your neck and jaw. Keep your back straight, shoulders relaxed, and the screen at eye level.
3. Eat Soft Foods
Avoid chewing gum or eating tough foods that require a lot of jaw movement. Stick to soft foods like yogurt, eggs, and smoothies while your jaw heals.
4. Do Jaw Stretches
Gentle jaw exercises can improve movement and reduce stiffness. A physical therapist or a dentist near you may recommend safe stretches.
5. Practice Stress Relief
Since stress is a big part of the problem, find ways to relax your mind. Breathing exercises, meditation, journaling, or light exercise like walking can help you feel calmer and ease tension.
These TMJ self-care practices are a great starting point for managing pain and improving your quality of life.
When to Seek Help
While home care can help a lot, sometimes TMJ symptoms stick around or get worse. If your pain doesn’t go away, it’s time to talk to a dental professional. A dentist in Leduc can check your jaw, talk with you about your symptoms, and offer a plan that fits your needs.
Sometimes, a simple mouthguard worn at night can stop teeth grinding. In other cases, more advanced options may be needed. Either way, getting help early can prevent bigger problems later on. Ignoring the pain can lead to chronic discomfort, joint damage, or difficulty eating and speaking. By reaching out for care, you’re taking an important step toward protecting your long-term health and comfort. The sooner you act, the easier it is to manage symptoms and feel like yourself again.
Find Relief at Suntree Dental
If jaw pain is making your days difficult and nights uncomfortable, help is just around the corner. At Suntree Dental, we understand how tough it can be to live with TMJ symptoms. Whether your discomfort is caused by stress, teeth grinding, or posture issues, we’re here to support you with care that makes sense for your life.
Don’t wait any longer. Let us help you feel better with solutions that are easy to understand and simple to follow. Relief could be just one visit away. Take the first step; schedule your visit with Suntree Dental today and give your jaw the comfort it deserves
