The Link Between Stress and Worsening Symptoms of a TMJ Disorder



Stress is a common part of life, but for those who suffer from a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, it can be especially problematic. TMJ disorders are chronic conditions that affect the jaw and its surrounding muscles, leading to pain and other symptoms such as difficulty opening the mouth or hearing popping sounds when opening or closing the jaw. Unfortunately, stress can exacerbate these symptoms, making them worse and more difficult to manage.

When people are stressed out, their bodies produce hormones like cortisol and adrenaline which cause physical changes in the body such as increased heart rate and blood pressure. This in turn can cause tension in the facial muscles, including those around the jaw. This tension can make existing TMJ symptoms worse by causing further inflammation in the affected area as well as increased pain levels. Stress also causes people to clench their teeth more often than usual which can lead to further irritation of already inflamed tissues in individuals with TMJ disorders.

In addition to worsening existing symptoms of a TMJ disorder, stress may also increase one’s risk of developing one in the first place. People who experience prolonged periods of intense stress may be more likely to develop TMJ problems due to increased muscle tension around their jaws over time. The same is true for people who grind their teeth when they’re stressed out – this habit puts additional strain on already vulnerable tissues which can lead to further damage if it continues for too long without treatment or management techniques being implemented.

The good news is that there are ways that people with a TMJ disorder can manage their stress levels so that they don’t worsen existing symptoms or increase their risk of developing one altogether. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises and yoga have been shown to reduce cortisol levels and help relax tense muscles throughout the body including those around the jawline; this could provide some relief from painful TMJ symptoms caused by stress-related tension. Additionally, engaging in regular physical activity has been shown to improve moods while helping reduce overall levels of stress; this could also help prevent flare-ups caused by excessive muscle tension due to high-stress situations

At the end of day it's important for anyone suffering from a TMJ disorder (or any chronic condition) to identify sources of stress in their lives and take steps towards managing them so that they don't worsen any existing conditions they may have or put them at an increased risk for developing new ones altogether

Tags:

. Stress, Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder, Pain, Difficulty opening mouth, Popping sounds, Cortisol and Adrenaline, Increased heart rate and blood pressure, Clenching teeth, Relaxation techniques (deep breathing exercises and yoga), Physical activity,

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