Temporomandibular joint disorder, simply abbreviated as TMJ, is a disorder that affects the joint that connects the jaw to the skull, the temporomandibular joint. According to Kelleyβs Textbook of Rheumatology, this joint disorder affects more than 10 million Americans. TMJ causes a variety of symptoms however, this disorder has been known to cause anxiety.Β
Anxiety is a condition that progressively develops over time through an individualβs life experiences or as a result of genetics. Besides these conditions, it is possible for anxiety to occur though other factors including Temporomandibular joint disorder. This condition can be difficult to experience on its own and its associated symptoms, along with anxiety, can challenge any personβs lifestyle.
Often times, this disorder doesnβt cause anxiety, but it can worsen anxiety if it was already present.
Temporomandibular joint disorder symptoms include various types of pain, from jaw pain to face pain and even headaches. Long term symptoms of pain can lead to anxiety due to the way each person individually responds to the stress of frequent pain in the body. Also, because there are many nerves and blood vessels that travel through the back of the jaw, TMJ can damage these, causing numbness and many times dizziness, adding additional distress to the body. Tinnitus is a ringing in the ear that the majority of people can tune out but, those affected by the condition may experience an unusually loud enough ringing to disrupt sleep and cause distractions.
Studies also suggest that anxiety can also cause the development of Temporomandibular joint disorder, which in turn may cause the development of even more anxiety. Many people with this condition experience significant clenching of the jaw, especially during sleep, and its possible that this may lead to an increase in TMJ symptoms.
The symptoms for temporomandibular joint disorder can be alleviated and treated through a series of specialized soft tissue physical therapy massages, specifically designed for TMJ pain and dysfunction. The massages focus on relieving trigger point tension on the medial and lateral pterygoid muscles in the jaw, as well as the two palatani muscles. By massaging these set of muscles, the symptoms associated with TMJ may gradually decrease, also possibly improving levels of anxiety.
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Professional Scope of Practice *
The information herein on "TMJ Disorder Tied to Anxiety" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
Blog Information & Scope Discussions
Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, acupuncture, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.
We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.
We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.
We are here to help you and your family.
Blessings
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182
Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card
While some disc herniations don't cause symptoms, individuals who are overweight with a herniated disc… Read More
Can individuals have a full night of sleep by making small changes to their sleep… Read More
Can the short-term potato diet be a solution for individuals trying to lose weight? Potato… Read More
Can individuals improve their brain function by incorporating yoga as part of their routine to… Read More
Can understanding what knee tests are used help a healthcare provider diagnose the cause of… Read More
Can individuals dealing with psoriatic arthritis find non-surgical treatments to reduce joint pain and improve… Read More