Understanding TMJ Pain
If you’ve ever found yourself clenching your jaw during a stressful day or waking up with a dull ache around your temples, you might be experiencing TMJ dysfunction – a common but often overlooked cause of pain and tension.
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint – the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. It’s responsible for talking, chewing, yawning… all the important things. When it isn’t working well, it can cause a range of symptoms including:
- Jaw pain or clicking
- Headaches or migraines
- Earache or a feeling of fullness in the ears
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
Top tips for self-care at home
-
Ty to maintain a ‘lips together, teeth apart’ position when you’re not eating or speaking.
-
A warm flannel over the jaw can help relax tight muscles.
-
Avoid hard or chewy foods – Stick to softer meals during a flare-up.
-
Be aware of clenching – Many people clench when concentrating. Try placing a post-it note on your screen as a reminder to relax your jaw.
-
Remember to move your shoulders and neck to help relax your jaw muscles – Especially if you spend long hours at a desk.
TMJ issues often creep in gradually, but they’re very treatable once diagnosed. If you think your jaw might be part of the problem, book in to see our specialists, Georgie or Kerry, and start feeling more like yourself again.
