Jaw tension is especially relevant to TMJ discomfort. In severe cases, the jaw will lock or fail to open or close properly. Some of it can be genetic, as jaw malformation can manifest later in life as TMJ pain. Other sources of TMJ are hormonal, affecting adolescent girls and menopausal women in the majority of cases. (TMJ patients in general trend female). Some of these patients who report jaw pain also have fibromyalgia, an autoimmune disorder that causes painful trigger points.
If jaw tension is a notable symptom of your TMJ, seek relief in over-the-counter analgesics and hot and cold compresses. You can adjust your diet to include more soft or blended foods, and check your lifestyle for new stresses. As anxiety is a common contributor to TMJ disorder, ask your TMJ doctor in LA about prescribed antidepressants and/or counseling.
A lot of TMJ patients use acupuncture. For instance, stimulating the functional point called the Wind Pool, located at the base of the skull, can aid against nasal congestion, headache and jaw pain.