Jaw pain
Here is a common occurrence in my bodywork practice: a client comes in for treatment of their upper back and neck tension. We have a detailed conversation about their symptoms and goals, and then right before we begin the massage they say, “oh yeah, and my jaw is really tight. But it’s always been that way.” Jaw pain and tension is so common that most people forget to mention it. What’s more, people get so used to the pain that they don’t realize it’s treatable. Luckily, massage can provide great relief for folks who suffer from jaw pain.
Get to know your jaw
The jaw is called the Temporomandibular joint, often shortened to TMJ, and it has a unique structure unlike any other joint in the body. Part of what makes it unique is that it’s two joints in one (one joint on each side, connected by your lower jaw bone). You cannot move one side of your jaw without moving the other; the two joints move in sync. What this means in practice is that symptoms originating from one side of the jaw can easily travel to the other side, making it hard to figure out where the root cause of the issue is. In addition, TMJ function hinges on the teeth being in proper alignment, and if they aren’t then the jaw joint itself will adjust, causing pain in the joint and spasming in the muscles of the face. Needless to say, this is a sensitive and complex joint bringing about a variety of uncomfortable symptoms when it is not functioning well.
Temperomandibular Joint Dysfunction
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (called TMJD, or TMD) is the umbrella term for issues with the jaw. Fun fact: most people incorrectly refer to their issue as TMJ when the correct title is actually TMJD or TMD. There are over 30 unique disorders that can affect the jaw, from clenching (bruxism) to clicking or popping to lockjaw. Even symptoms such as tinnitus (ringing in the ear) can be traced back to issues with the TMJ.
Your jaw and your emotions
The jaw can also be a place where a lot of emotional tension is stored. As children it is one of the first areas that we learn to tense. When we’re told things like “be quiet,” stop crying,” “calm down,”… all of these result in tensing our jaw. Years of trying to be good, not get in trouble, and mask how we’re really feeling can result in chronic jaw pain, especially for neurodivergent folks. It is profound healing work to let those muscles know that they can finally relax.
How massage can help
Myofascial and soft tissue techniques on the face and jaw muscles can provide a ton of relief to the TMJ.
Craniosacral therapy helps to free up restrictions in the bones and membranes of the head and face, helping the TMJ function more smoothly. Read more about craniosacral therapy here.
Intraoral work (massage with a gloved hand directly in a person’s mouth) takes the healing one step further, addressing hard-to-reach jaw muscles.
Massage reduces overall stress, helping you let go of tension in all parts of your body.
If you’re suddenly realizing that your jaw has been in pain ever since 8th grade when you chewed gum 24/7, it’s time for you to get some relief! Your jaw does not have to feel stiff, tense, or painful. Relief is possible, and I want to help you get there.