An estimated 70% of U.S. adults report experiencing stress due to current global circumstances, according to research by the American Psychological Association (APA). Stress can have numerous effects on your health, whether they can be noticed or not. It may cause individuals to feel tense, forcing them to clench their teeth more than usual. This may cause jaw pain that can worsen over time and could affect a person’s ability to eat or communicate. Thankfully, there are ways to reduce such pain within the comforts of your own home. Here’s how to find relief for jaw pain caused by stress.
Finding The Link Between Stress And Jaw Pain
The anxiety produced by the feeling of stress tends to have different symptoms in individuals. In some situations, people may feel nervous and unconsciously tighten their jaw. This sensation produces pressure in your jaw muscles, which, over time, can lead to decreased control of the mandibular muscles responsible for the opening and closing of the mouth. This can affect how a person talks as it may be painful or difficult for them. Some of the most common signs are “clicking” noises from the mouth, locked jaw episodes, and difficulty or pain while chewing certain hard foods, such as nuts.
Exercises Relieve Pain
Simple facial exercises have been proven effective in treating jaw pain, and they can be done privately at home and within a short time period. According to physiotherapist Michael Chan, oral exercises such as making low flutter sounds with your mouth helps to loosen the tight facial muscles, due to the rapid vibration of your lips and cheeks. It is highly recommended to attempt these exercises for a few seconds and repeat as necessary to relieve jaw tension. However, if pain persists, schedule an appointment with your physician.
Long-Term Impact On Your Health
Stress can impact your health in a variety of ways, such as a decrease in physical productivity, restlessness, or feeling overwhelmed. Having proper management and control of stressors will have a positive impact on your health. If left unchecked, stress can have a detrimental effect, as it may contribute to more serious health problems in the long term. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) recommends physical activity as a proven method to reduce stress: it has been shown to decrease stress and anxiety, stabilize mood, and improve self-esteem.
While the cause of stress isn’t always controllable, how you respond to it is. Learn to accept that things are not always in your control, and look for ways to relax and refocus your attention on something more calming.