As an executive mum balancing the demands of your career and family, persistent aches and pains can often take a backseat to your responsibilities. However, jaw pain, also referred to as TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain, can significantly impact your quality of life. In this blog lets understand the symptoms and recognise how TMJ issues manifest as these are the first steps toward finding relief.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull on both sides of your head. It functions as a sliding hinge, enabling movements like talking, chewing, and yawning. When this joint or the muscles surrounding it experience dysfunction, it can lead to TMJ disorder, causing pain and discomfort in the jaw and beyond.
These are some of the most common sings of TMJ dysfunction:
Pain in the Jaw Area: One of the most common symptoms is localised pain in front of your ears, on one or both sides. This pain may worsen with jaw movement, such as chewing, speaking, or yawning.
Stiffness and Limited Jaw Movement: TMJ issues can cause stiffness, making it difficult to open or close your mouth fully. Movements like sliding your jaw forward, backward, or side-to-side may feel restricted.
Clicking or Popping Sounds: Some individuals experience clicking or popping noises when they open or close their mouths. While not always painful, these sounds indicate irregular movement within the joint.
Headaches and Radiating Pain: TMJ pain can radiate to the temples, creating tension headaches. Some people also report pain spreading to the neck, shoulders, or even down the arms, mimicking other conditions.
Tooth Sensitivity or Discomfort: TMJ issues can mimic dental problems, causing unexplained tooth sensitivity or discomfort. This can often lead to confusion between jaw pain and dental concerns.
Ear Pain or Fullness: Given the proximity of the TMJ to the ears, many people experience earaches, a feeling of fullness, or even ringing in the ears (tinnitus) as part of TMJ dysfunction.
For busy executive mums, jaw pain can contribute to stress and reduced productivity, making it harder to focus on your work and family. TMJ issues can stem from a variety of factors, including stress, teeth grinding, and, surprisingly, poor posture. Forward head posture, for example, places unnecessary strain on the jaw joint, exacerbating pain and discomfort.
If you’re experiencing TMJ pain, addressing the root causes, like poor posture, is essential. Incorporating gentle jaw exercises (you can find these in the free training "Simple solutions to manage your Jaw Pain" in my free community HERE) and adopting posture-friendly habits can also make a significant difference. Remember, TMJ pain is manageable, and understanding its symptoms can help you take proactive steps toward relief.
HERE is a free guide on 'How to maintain a good posture while working from home'
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