Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can cause a variety of symptoms, including jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing. Many people report that their TMJ symptoms seem to worsen at night, leading to disrupted sleep and increased discomfort. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why TMJ may hurt more at night and discuss some potential treatment options to help alleviate nighttime TMJ pain. You can also read more here about when your TMJ is serious.
Stress and Tension: One of the most common causes of nighttime TMJ pain is stress and tension. Throughout the day, you may be unconsciously clenching or grinding your teeth due to stress or anxiety. This can put extra strain on the jaw muscles and joints, leading to increased pain and discomfort at night when you are trying to relax. Techniques such as relaxation exercises, meditation, or stress management strategies may help reduce nighttime TMJ pain caused by stress.
Sleep Position: The way you position your head and neck while sleeping can also impact your TMJ symptoms. Sleeping on your stomach or with your head in an awkward angle can put pressure on the jaw joints and exacerbate pain. It is recommended to try sleeping on your back with a supportive pillow to keep your head and neck aligned properly. This may help reduce nighttime TMJ pain by minimizing strain on the jaw joints.
Bruxism: Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a common symptom of TMJ disorder that often occurs during sleep. Grinding your teeth puts excessive pressure on the jaw muscles and joints, leading to increased pain and inflammation. If you suspect that bruxism is contributing to your nighttime TMJ pain, speak with a dentist about getting a custom-made mouthguard to wear while sleeping. This can help protect your teeth from damage and alleviate pressure on the jaw joints.
Lack of Movement: During sleep, our bodies tend to stay in one position for an extended period of time. This lack of movement can cause stiffness in the muscles surrounding the jaw joint, leading to increased pain upon waking up in the morning. Incorporating gentle stretching exercises for the jaw muscles before bedtime may help improve flexibility and reduce nighttime TMJ pain.
Seeking Professional Help: If you are experiencing severe nighttime TMJ pain that is impacting your quality of life, it may be beneficial to seek professional help from a physiotherapist or chiropractor who specializes in treating TMJ disorders. They can assess your condition, provide targeted treatments such as manual therapy or exercises, and offer personalized advice on managing nighttime TMJ pain effectively.
It is important to note that everyone feels pain differently. So while some people may experience TMJ pain when resting, others may feel a more constant TMJ pain.
In conclusion, while various factors may contribute to why TMJ hurts more at night, implementing strategies such as stress management techniques, proper sleep positioning, wearing a mouthguard for bruxism, incorporating stretching exercises for the jaw muscles, and seeking professional help from a physiotherapist or chiropractor can all play a role in alleviating nighttime TMJ pain. By taking proactive steps to address these issues, you may be able to improve your sleep quality and overall well-being despite dealing with TMJ disorder symptoms. Remember that everyone’s experience with TMJ is unique, so it’s important to consult with physiotherapists or chiropractors for personalized recommendations tailored to your specific needs.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Dr. Laura Rashty, BSc, DC, or another Kitchener chiropractor at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
