December, the month of treats like gingerbread cookies, chocolate letters and taai taai. Do you have no problem chewing away a peppercorn or cake pop? Then you probably don't have any jaw problems. But do you experience pain when chewing or do your jaw muscles feel stiff? Then physiotherapy can help! We explain what jaw problems are, how they can occur, what you can do about them yourself and how physiotherapy can help with jaw problems.
How can physiotherapy help with jaw pain?
When we think of jaw problems, we quickly think of a visit to the dentist. Yet jaw pain can also be resolved by a physiotherapist. In many cases, jaw pain stems from tension in the neck or face. This tension can arise from high muscle tension caused by stress or overexertion. The physiotherapist can reduce the tension in the neck, shoulders and back, which often reduces the tension in the jaws as well. In addition, the physiotherapist can show you exercises that will help reduce muscle tension even more.
What jaw problems can a physiotherapist help with?
- Jaw clenching and grinding;
- Pain towards the face, ear or neck;
- Snapping jaw;
- Headache/migraine or tinnitus (sometimes both);
- Neck and shoulder pain;
- Stress-related jaw complaints;
What does treatment at the physiotherapist look like?
The physiotherapist performs a comprehensive examination of the neck/shoulder muscles and jaws. It is then determined whether physiotherapy treatment and relaxation exercises are enough to help you get rid of the jaw pain. If not, he/she will refer you to the dentist or an oral physiotherapist.
It works closely with dentists and specialises in the jaw system and related complaints. The jaw physiotherapist can mobilise the jaw joint, reduce muscle tension and give advice on posture and exercises.
What can you do yourself for jaw pain?
- Separate your jaws regularly and relax. Remove your tongue from the palate; this already relaxes the mouth and jaws. Try to consciously pay attention to this throughout the day and, if necessary, set an alarm clock every hour as a reminder.
- Stretching the neck muscles; your physiotherapist can teach you how to do it properly.
- Consult with your dentist whether a grinding bit is necessary for your symptoms. This can prevent the teeth from wearing down from grinding or sliding. The urge to grind may also be reduced by a bit.
- Pay attention to your posture when sitting for long periods and alternate a lot. Relaxing the shoulders every now and then also relieves some tension from the jaws. Again, you need to pay conscious attention to this.
- Avoid lifting heavy things from the shoulders, holding tension in the neck and make sure you are not out in the cold. This will prevent overloading the neck and shoulders, which can affect the jaw muscles.
- Do not chew gum too often or foods that are tough and require you to chew for a long time. This often causes more tension in the jaws and neck.
Do you have jaw problems and want to know what a physiotherapist can do for you?
Then take contact at FriskFysio at 085-5000333 or at info@friskfysio.nl. Make an appointment with one of our physiotherapists for targeted advice and treatment of your symptoms.
