You might have noticed that some of your joints become stiff when you’re feeling stressed. What you might not realize is how much that stress can be affecting your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) – a small connective tissue structure in your jaw bone that helps it move smoothly. Increased stress can lead to increased muscle tension in your jaw muscles, which can lead to TMJ disorders. Knowing how stress affects TMJ disorders and what you can do about it can be incredibly helpful in managing your overall health.
What is a TMJ Disorder?
A TMJ disorder is a problem with the jaw joint that can be caused by anything from physical trauma or injury to a range of different dental problems. It can cause symptoms such as jaw pain, difficulty eating or speaking, locking of the jaw, as well as muscle tension, headaches and migraines. Over time, TMJ disorders can lead to issues with the alignment of the jaw and can even affect other parts of your body.
How Stress Affects TMJ Disorders
When you’re feeling stressed, your body has an automatic ‘fight or flight’ response. This response causes your body to release stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine, which can lead to muscle tension. A common place that many people experience muscle tension due to stress is their jaw muscles. This prolonged muscle tension can lead to the development of TMJ disorders and can even worsen existing ones. Additionally, because a TMJ disorder can cause headaches, migraines, and other head and neck pain, the added stress can worsen these symptoms.
What You Can Do About It
The good news is, there are many ways to help manage and reduce the amount of stress that you are experiencing, which can in turn help to prevent or reduce the severity of TMJ disorders. One of the most effective ways to help manage stress is to practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, getting plenty of sleep, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine can also help keep your stress levels in check. Additionally, seeking professional help from a mental health professional or a support group can be incredibly helpful in managing stress.
Conclusion
Managing the additional stress that can be caused by a TMJ disorder is an essential component of overall health. Learning how to recognize the effects of stress at the physical, psychological, and emotional level is a great place to start. Taking measures to reduce stress through relaxation techniques, altering your lifestyle, and seeking professional help can be very effective. By learning how stress affects TMJ disorders and what you can do about it, you can better manage the symptoms and enjoy a happier, healthier life.