Understanding and Managing Jaw Pain. Key Tips for Relief: 

Jaw pain can be a debilitating condition, often characterized by persistent discomfort or a constant ache. This can significantly impact your daily life, whether through pain while chewing or yawning, difficulty opening your mouth wide, or the tension and headaches caused by ongoing clenching.

The jaw itself is primarily composed of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is located just in front of your ears, on either side of your face. This joint is essential for numerous daily functions, such as eating, speaking, and yawning. However, one common issue is excessive clenching, which can strain the TMJ and surrounding muscles, leading to discomfort and pain.

While many factors influence jaw function, one key contributor that is often overlooked is the neck. The alignment and posture of your neck can have a significant impact on the health and function of your jaw. Here are some expert tips from physiotherapist Jessica Dowling to help alleviate jaw pain, tension, and headaches:

1. Assess Your Neck Posture

Your neck posture plays a crucial role in proper jaw function. Make sure you’re mindful of your neck position, especially when sitting or standing for prolonged periods. Pay attention to maintaining a neutral neck alignment, which can help reduce strain on both the neck and jaw.

2. Minimise Clenching

Clenching is one of the primary culprits behind jaw pain and tension. The most relaxed position for your jaw is with your tongue gently resting on the roof of your mouth, as if making the “nn” sound. Keep your lips together and teeth apart. Avoid any unnecessary fidgeting with your mouth, as this can be considered clenching.

3. Avoid Leaning Your Chin on Your Hand

When working at your desk, try to avoid resting your chin on your hand. This posture can contribute to unnecessary tension in both your neck and jaw muscles.

4. Practice Relaxation Techniques

Stress is a significant contributor to jaw tension and headaches. When you're stressed, you may unconsciously clench your jaw or spend long hours at a screen without proper breaks. Incorporating relaxation techniques such as the use our Aussie made heat packs, deep breathing, meditation, or even a warm bath can help reduce stress and ease tension. Taking regular breaks from your computer or phone is also essential for preventing overload on your neck and jaw.

5. Seek Professional Help

By incorporating these strategies into your routine, you can help prevent and manage jaw pain, improving both your comfort and quality of life. If your jaw pain persists, consider seeking the advice of a qualified physiotherapist or dentist with specialised training in TMJ disorders along with the use our heat packs for soothing natural relief. These professionals can provide targeted treatment plans and strategies to manage and alleviate your symptoms.