Understanding Jaw Tension Anxiety, Including Some Relaxation Exercises

Healthful Vitality | 10/26/2021 | Jaw Tension Anxiety

One of the responses to anxiety is voluntary or even involuntary tightening of some muscle groups. Thus, in some, it may cause backache, others may tighten fists, while many may start tightening their jaws. This article explores understanding jaw tension anxiety, including some relaxation exercises.

It may become a frequent response to repeated bouts of anxiety, and a person may struggle to get rid of it. It may ultimately cause issues like difficulty opening the mouth, locking of jaw joints, local pain, and irritation.

Anxiety and jaw tension

Anxiety not only causes jaw tension in some; it may even cause teeth grinding. It may be especially harmful to teeth. Further, in many teeth grinding, also called bruxism, may start occurring in sleep. It may cause toothaches, headaches, earache, jaw tension, soreness in the face and neck.

Those living with jaw tension issues must exclude some more severe and chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.

Jaw tension is a stress response, but it also becomes a bit of a habit in many. However, these physical responses to anxiety can be altered. For example, one may start using stress balls and grip strengtheners instead of tightening the fist and jaw.

Some relaxation exercises for the jaw

Simple exercises

Another approach is to start doing some relaxation exercises for the jaw. A simple exercise like opening your mouth to the maximum and holding it in the position for 15 to 30 seconds may help. One may repeat it several times a day. Smile stretch is another way to relax facial muscles.

Teeth grinding, especially while sleeping, is challenging to manage. In some cases, dentists may even recommend wearing a mouth guard. A mouth guard is designed to keep the jaw in place. They can be worn during the night, but more severe cases may need to wear them 24 hours a day for months or even years to overcome the problem.

Massage

Massage is another wonderful option for mild to moderate conditions. It helps relax local muscles and improve blood flow. One may even learn self-massage.  In many cases, frequent full-body massage may have excellent results. Since it may help relax physically and mentally. Moreover, people with anxiety rarely have isolated jaw tension. More frequently, other body muscles would also be tense.

Applying a hot or cold compress

Another commonly available remedy for reducing jaw tension is applying a hot or cold compress. It helps relax joints.

Practicing yoga

Using other means of relaxation like practicing yoga may help gain better control over body movements and have a relaxing effect, and thus may be an excellent means of overcoming jaw tension.

Acupuncture

Among traditional remedies, acupuncture is really good for relieving local tension and pains. It may help reduce local irritation, too.

Finally, those who cannot respond to non-pharmacological means may need to take medications. One may start treatment with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs. These medications help relieve local pain and inflammation and may help overcome jaw tension.

Those who do not respond to simple painkillers may require treatment with anxiolytic drugs. Unfortunately, though, these medications are toxic, but they are quite suitable for short-term use. To conclude, jaw tension is a response to anxiety that may cause pain and harm. Thus, those living with it may use non-pharmacological means. Additionally, it is good to use various stress buster techniques to control stress and anxiety levels.

Related: Muscle Tension Anxiety and its Control