Are you constantly experiencing jaw pain and discomfort or waking up feeling exhausted despite having enough hours of sleep? These are just some of the signs of TMD or Temporomandibular Disorder. This condition can cause pain in the jaw muscles, headache, neck, and shoulder pain. It is often linked to TMJ or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, which affects the jaw joint. If left untreated, TMD can progress and cause more issues. But how do you tell if stress is causing your TMJ?
In this article, we’ll dive into the causes of TMD or TMJ and discuss some sleep apnea and TMJ solutions that can alleviate your symptoms. We’ll also give tips on how to determine if stress is a factor in your TMJ.
What Causes TMD or TMJ?
TMD or TMJ can be caused by a variety of factors such as stress, trauma to the jaw, grinding or clenching your teeth while sleeping or when awake, arthritis, and misalignment of the teeth or jaw. Sometimes, it can be a combination of these factors.
How Do You Recognize Stress-induced TMJ?
As stress is one of the primary reasons for TMJ, it’s vital to recognize the early signs of this condition. Here are some signs and symptoms you should watch out for:
● Frequent grinding or clenching of teeth
● Pain in the jaw, especially when eating or speaking
● Limited movement of the jaw or lockjaw
● Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the jaw
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s best to seek professional help from a dentist.
What Are the Sleep Apnea & TMJ Solutions?
If your TMJ is caused by stress or grinding your teeth, there are some solutions you can try:
1. Stress management techniques – as stress is one of the primary reasons for TMJ, managing your stress levels is vital. Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help calm your mind and reduce tension in your jaw.
2. Mouthguards – these devices can help protect your teeth from grinding while you sleep and provide relief from TMJ pain.
3. Orthodontic treatments – orthodontic treatments such as braces or clear aligners can help align your teeth or jaw and alleviate TMJ pain.
4. Dental devices – devices like the TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) unit can help relieve pain in your jaw muscles, and it can be used by a dental sleep specialist.
5. Sleep Apnea Treatment – If Sleep Apnea is causing the TMJ, then treating Sleep Apnea will take care of the TMJ too. Things like Oral appliances, CPAP Repairs, and the likes can help with Sleep Apnea.
TMD and TMJ can be frustrating and uncomfortable, but knowing the underlying cause can help you find a solution. If you’re experiencing any signs or symptoms of TMD or TMJ, it’s essential to seek professional help from a dentist to determine the underlying cause. With the right sleep apnea and TMJ solutions and stress management techniques, you can alleviate your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. Don’t suffer in silence, make an appointment today and start your journey to a pain-free future.
Contact Sleep Apnea & TMJ Solutions:
615-850-8445
Location (Tap To Open In Google Maps):
1177 Old Hickory Blvd, Suite 203
Brentwood, TN 370271605 Medical Center Pkwy, Suite 215
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
