Can Stress Really Affect Your Jaw? What You Need to Know (Part II)

Most people expect stress to cause headaches or muscle tightness — but few realize it can also directly affect your jaw. If you’ve noticed jaw pain, stiffness, or a clicking sound when you chew, stress might be one of the main culprits.

How Stress Affects the Jaw

When you feel stressed, your body activates the sympathetic nervous system — the “fight or flight” response. This causes your heart rate to rise, your breathing to quicken, and, importantly, your muscles to tense up. That tension doesn’t just stay in your shoulders or neck — it often reaches your jaw. This can lead to:

·      Jaw clenching during the day

·      Teeth grinding at night (bruxism)

·      Increased strain on the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), which connect your jaw to your skull

Studies in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation and Cranio have shown that sympathetic nervous system activation increases jaw muscle activity — especially during sleep — making stress a significant risk factor for TMJ disorders.

Common Symptoms of Stress-Related Jaw Problems

Jaw pain or tenderness (often worse in the morning)

·      Clicking or popping when opening/closing your mouth

·      Tension headaches or temple pain

·      Ear pain or ringing without an ear infection

·      Difficulty chewing or limited jaw movement

·      Worn or sensitive teeth from grinding

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It

If left untreated, stress-related jaw tension can lead to:

·      Chronic TMJ dysfunction

·      Permanent tooth damage

·      Worsening headaches and migraines

·      Neck and shoulder pain from referred muscle strain

Early care can stop the cycle before it becomes a long-term issue.

Treatments:

Self-Care Strategies

·      Stress management: Mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can calm the sympathetic nervous system.

·      Jaw relaxation exercises: Gently opening/closing the jaw, keeping teeth apart when not chewing, and massaging jaw muscles.

·      Heat therapy: Warm compresses to relax muscles and improve blood flow.

·      Night guards: Custom devices from a dentist to prevent tooth damage from grinding.

·       

Professional Care

·      Dental evaluation for bite alignment and tooth protection.

·      Physical therapy for jaw and neck muscle retraining.

·      Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Somatic therapy for managing stress triggers.

·      Myofunctional therapy for jaw and neck neuro-muscular rehabilitation

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractors can address muscle and joint dysfunction linked to TMJ problems by:

·      Gentle TMJ adjustments (mobilization) to restore normal joint motion.

·      Neck and upper back adjustments to reduce muscle tension that worsens jaw pain.

·      Myofascial release to relax tight jaw and facial muscles.

·      Postural coaching to reduce strain from desk work or phone use.

Stress affects more than your mood — it activates your sympathetic nervous system, which can create lasting muscle tension in your jaw.

By managing stress, caring for your muscles and joints, and seeking professional help when needed, you can protect your jaw health and prevent future problems.