Have you noticed that your jaw feels tight or sore during a stressful day? Maybe you catch yourself clenching your
teeth while working, driving, or concentrating, or you wake up with a headache and a tight jaw.
There may be a connection...
When we're stressed, our bodies ease into fight or flight mode - or sympathetic mode, which can increase muscle
tension. One common response is jaw clenching or teeth grinding - and sometimes we don’t even notice ourselves
doing it.
Research has found an association between stress and teeth grinding, with one study finding that adults experiencing
stress had approximately twice the odds of presenting with teeth grinding.
Over time, increased muscle activity can contribute to soreness and fatigue around the jaw and may play a role in
temporomandibular (jaw) disorders (TMD).
Common symptoms of TMD:
● Jaw pain, tenderness or tension
● Clicking or popping or discomfort opening the mouth
● Headaches around the temples
● Neck or facial pain
Does Your Neck Have Anything to Do With It?
Research suggests that the jaw and neck are closely connected. Studies have found that people with TMD tend to
have reduced neck muscle endurance, reduced cervical range of motion, and greater neck-related disability
compared with people without TMD.
Oftentimes, we find TMD is related to neck dysfunction although TMD is complex and there can be multiple
contributing factors - that’s why it is a great idea to investigate both the neck and jaw and surrounding structures
when experiencing the above.
What Can You Do?
Start by becoming aware of your jaw throughout the day. Think of the following:
Are my teeth touching?
Are my jaw muscles tense?
Are my shoulders creeping toward my ears?
Taking a few deep breaths and consciously relaxing your jaw can help break up the habit of clenching. Regular
movement breaks, good sleep, stress management, and addressing tension in the neck and upper back are also so
important.
If you're experiencing any of the above, an assessment by one of our chiropractors can help determine what
structures may be contributing to your symptoms… Let us help you address it and find a way forward!
