Too Much TMJ?

Two clients this week mentioned that their dentists prescribed mouth guards due to Bruxism. I did a little digging and found that there has been an epidemic of cracked teeth, clenching and grinding which is primarily caused by increased levels of stress and anxiety. Clenching can be a disruptive nighttime habit but it can also unconsciously continue during the day while working or driving. Bruxism can put tremendous strain on the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) causing headaches, worn down or cracked teeth, sleep disruption, and facial pain.

TMJ is a tough problem to address because it creeps up while you're sleeping. It’s hard to stop something you’re not even conscious that you’re doing. Mouth guards can be critical if your dentist is already noticing damage, but they are expensive and for some quite uncomfortable. Other conventional treatments include medication, biofeedback (especially for daytime clenching), tongue training, and behavioral changes.

Bodywork is not often considered but has the potential to offer great relief.

One of the best movement practices for TMJ is Feldenkrais, which restores optimal function to the joints and promotes whole body coordination. Because the jaw has connections to head and eye movement, releasing the muscles involved with chewing, speech, and swallowing can have a profound impact on the nervous system.

I’m not a Feldenkrais instructor but there is a wonderful website openatm.org that has many audio classes for free. I vetted one for us (here) that is an hour long, but so worth it. I found myself profoundly relaxed with much improved cervical rotation, less eye strain, more freedom at the cranial base, and greater symmetry between the right and left TMJ’s.

If I were suffering acutely, I would attempt this sequence 2-3 times per week and see if some of the most overt symptoms might clear. From there, I’d break the sequences into 15 minutes sessions that I would do nightly until I was pain free. If all of that is too much to organize, there are many qualified Feldenkrais practitioners that could help.

I would also do a few craniosacral sessions to support healing in the TMJ itself to improve fluid flow, increase subtle movement throughout the cranium, reduce headaches or other symptoms, and calm the cranial nerves involved with sight, speech and swallowing.

After having gone through the sequence, I am going to throw it into the mix when I am feeling neck pain or jaw tightness.

It also gave me a great night’s sleep. Hope this helps!!!!!