Can Jaw Pain be Caused by Stress or Anxiety?
Nearly 2 in 3 adults has experienced increased stress in the last few years. Around 19.1% of adults experienced increased anxiety. Can jaw pain be caused by stress or anxiety? Stress and anxiety symptoms can present themselves in many areas of the body, including the jaw.
In this article, we will answer ‘can jaw pain be caused by stress or anxiety’ and how to find fast relief.
Table of Contents
Can Jaw Pain be Caused by Stress or Anxiety?
Signs and Symptoms of Jaw Pain
- Uncomfortable popping and clicking of the jaw when moving
- Jaw deviating to one side
- Limited opening and closing of the mouth
- Jaw locks shut when opened or closed
- Pain in the cheek muscles
- Forehead and temple headaches
- Triggered migraines
- Ear pain with no present infection
- Impaired hearing
- Pain behind the eyes
- Stiffness in the neck
- Limited mobility in the neck
Reasons Why Jaw Pain is Caused by Stress or Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can trigger the body to subconsciously respond in several different areas. Some might feel the tension build up in the back, shoulders, and chest. Can jaw pain be caused by stress or anxiety? The jaw is a very common response center for stress and anxiety to manifest.
There are several strong muscles that support the jaw to help with daily functions of life like eating and speaking. These muscles can tense up when the brain alerts the body of stress and anxiety.
There are several ways to treat jaw pain symptoms and prevent the discomfort from returning.
Can Jaw Pain be Caused by Stress or Anxiety? How to Find Fast Relief
Once jaw pain is triggered, it can interfere with even the most simple tasks. Can jaw pain be caused by stress or anxiety? For some, jaw pain and TMJ pain can be quite common. Certain lifestyles with high-stress anxiety triggers can make jaw pain an unfortunate norm.
To soothe jaw pain symptoms:
- Heat: Applying heat can help relax your muscles and can help relieve aches and stiffness. Be careful not to burn yourself.
- Cold compresses: The cool temperature can help relieve pain and reduce any present swelling in the muscles or tissue.
- Over-the-counter pain relief: Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help relieve pain temporarily until you can see your dental or medical professional.
- Reduce Jaw Movement: Limit jaw movement by not opening wide and minimize talking when possible. Sticking with a soft food diet can help give your jaw and surrounding muscles a break.
- Massage: Massage therapy can help release pain and tension in your jaw. Find a therapist that specializes in this field.
- Adjust Sleeping Position: Sleeping on the same side and sleeping with your hand under your face puts pressure on your facial muscles. Alternating sleeping positions can help alleviate your jaw and muscles.
- Minimize Stressful Situations: Stress can increase the grinding or clenching of your teeth.
If your jaw pain stems from a TMJ Disorder, check out our articles below:
Preventing Jaw Pain
Can jaw pain be caused by stress or anxiety? Once jaw pain is triggered by stress and anxiety, it can take days or even weeks to finally calm down. The best way to avoid jaw pain and TMJ disorders is to prevent the possible triggers.
1. Practice Stress Management
When stressed, the tension in the body is stored in the face, jaw, neck, and shoulders. Stress can also trigger long periods of clenching and grinding. Stress management practices that can help may include:
- Regular movement and exercise
- Meditation, breathwork, and yoga
- Setting boundaries between relationships and/or work life
- Adequate quality of sleep
- Supporting the body through diet and hydration
- Therapy and support groups
Finding stress management techniques that help support your lifestyle can be life-changing. There are many medical professionals that can build a plan that works for you.
2. Using A Night Guard
A custom-fit night guard is a great way to alleviate pain and prevent damage to the jaw. A night guard is a barrier between the top and bottom teeth opening the jaw slightly. A professionally made night guard will:
- Provide a custom fit that protects the teeth and stays in the mouth better while sleeping.
- Promote tension relief and cushion the jaw muscles, promoting relaxation.
- Prevent future damage to the jaw and surrounding anatomy.
- Promote jaw healing and long-term relief.
Our Night Guards for TMJ Pain article has additional information.
3. TMJ Massage and Acupuncture
Massage therapy will help relax the muscles and ligaments and reduce nerve compression. The masseter muscle is the powerful muscle responsible for chewing, grinding, and clenching.
- Professional massage is a great option to heal jaw tension. A massage therapist, physical therapist, and even chiropractors can help.
- For treating jaw pain at home with massage, locate the masseter muscle on the cheekbone behind the molar area, in front of the ears. Press gently with two or three fingers and move in a circular motion.
Acupuncture therapy involves inserting needles into the jaw, face, and ear. This includes the trigger points of the medial pterygoid, masseter, temporalis muscles, and lateral pterygoid. It can relieve pain, regulate inflammation, reduce stress, and promote muscle relaxation.
Can Jaw Pain be Caused by Stress or Anxiety?
Stress and anxiety triggers are different for everyone. Chronic stress and anxiety are linked to jaw pain, TMJ disorders, and certain systemic disorders. Working with a medical professional can help support you to find what techniques work best for you.
For additional information on treating jaw pain, check out our article 10 Proven ways to Treat Jaw Pain at Home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I suddenly have jaw pain?
Jaw pain can be suddenly triggered by many different things. Stress and anxiety can cause the mouth to clench and grind. If your top and bottom teeth are touching, then you are clenching. Jaw pain can also be triggered by more serious conditions like infections in the mouth. Consult your dentist with any jaw pain.
Can stress cause jaw tension?
Stress can absolutely cause jaw tension. When the brain signals to the body that you are stressed or anxious, the body responds tenses up in the face, jaw, shoulders, or other places in the body.
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