TMJ Forum - chronic jaw tension

Conditions and Diseases > TMJ Forum > chronic jaw tension

Q: chronic jaw tension

asked by: ortissa on August 20th, 2008

New User

I don't have TMJ, so I apologize ahead of time if my post doesn't belong here.

For years, I've had some tension in my jaw that just seems to come and go. Sometimes when I'm eating or talking, it just gets stuck in one place or it makes this popping sound. Whenever I move my mouth/jaw from side to side, I can hear my jaw moving in place.

I was just wondering if this was a serious enough problem to warrant a visit to the doctor? The tension goes away eventually, but it's really irritating to put up with. Or if there's no need to see my doctor- is it something I'm doing to cause this? I mean, I'm not an excessive constant eater or loudmouth or anything...

Thanks for the replies in advance.

Replies(3)

TMJWorld

replied on August 20th, 2008

Extremely eHealthy

well before you run to a doctor---try relaxing---and massaging the muscles around the jaw area. you may have muscular problems in that area due to stress--so try to limit the stress as much as possible---i know easier said than done

jforgizmo

replied on August 29th, 2008

New User

If no function loss, and no pain, no worry

that joint is very complicated -- the only one that has to move in four, not 2 directions, and dislocation and wear type arthritis are the norm.
Even if you are teeth grinding or jaw cleaching in your sleep, which can cause progressive damage, only 5% gone on to agonizing pain.
Just make sure that you have a dentist check that you have no signs of grinding or clenching. If you do, don't assume a biteguard will do anything more than protect your teeth from being eventaully destroyed by chronic pressure. Study up on physical therapy (see sticky posts), botox, etc., if it gets chronic enough to start damaging the joint, jaw, or teeth permanently.

miafio

replied on September 14th, 2008

New User

jaw and muscle tension

for almost 2 years now I bite my Jaw/teeth during sleep. they told me it can be related to stress. but now I noticed that I bite my teeth sometimes while awake. I also noticed that I during sleep I now tense my fingers as well (like a fist), when I wake up my fingers hurt alittle and I get headaches from biting my teeth while I am sleeping. I tried relaxing with meditation and other ways but nothing seems to help. It is 2 years now, what can I do to help this?

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