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Showing posts with the label Jaw Clenching Anxiety

Stress, Anxiety, and TMJ: A TCM Approach to Jaw Pain Relief II

Jaw pain, clicking sounds when you open your mouth, frequent headaches, or teeth grinding at night—these are common signs of TMJ disorder (TMD) . While TMJ is often treated as a dental or joint problem, research and clinical experience increasingly show a strong connection between stress, anxiety, and TMJ pain . From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, TMJ is not just a jaw issue—it is a mind-body condition deeply influenced by emotional tension and energy imbalance. What Is TMJ Disorder? The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull and allows you to speak, chew, and yawn. When this joint or the surrounding muscles are under strain, TMJ disorder can develop. Common TMJ symptoms include: Jaw pain or tightness Clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth Difficulty chewing Facial pain or ear discomfort Headaches or neck tension Many people experience these symptoms during periods of chronic stress or anxiety , even without...