If you’re dealing with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) or jaw pain, is it really just about your jaw? Actually, TMD can affect nearly every aspect of your life.
Pain from TMD can affect you socially, professionally, emotionally, and even your overall health and nutritional intake can be negatively impacted by TMD. Have you thought about the ways TMD might be holding you back?
Talking with TMD
Although talking seems like an effortless action for most people, it actually involves a number of complex muscle movements that can put strain on the jaw. To form words and speak clearly, we use our jaw, tongue, lips, and facial muscles. For people with jaw pain or TMD, talking, especially excessive talking, can lead to more pain and inflammation.
If you find that talking gives you a headache or orofacial pain, you may be inclined to talk less and your personality may not shine through. Over time, this could make you feel withdrawn from others. It could also keep you from speaking at presentations or meetings, affecting your professional growth.
Anxiety and Pain
Anxiety and pain have a close relationship for many people. For some, anxiety can cause chronic pain to increase. For others, the pain itself causes anxiety and nervousness, making daily life difficult. People who are dealing with headaches, orofacial pain, or other problems associated with TMD may avoid social situations or even professional advancements. Not knowing when the pain will strike, or what kind of day you will have, can be very anxiety-provoking.
These issues can certainly stand in the way of a person’s career, personal life, and general happiness. If TMD or orofacial pain is causing you anxiety, MedCenter TMJ can help you address the underlying issue so you can feel more like yourself again.
Nutrition and TMJ Pain
Do you avoid nutritious foods because they cause you jaw pain and headaches? Fresh fruits and vegetables may be crunchy and hard on the jaw, but many soft foods aren’t necessarily nutritious. Perhaps you have inadvertently been relying on packaged, processed foods that are easier to chew, and avoiding healthier options because of TMD.
Instead of limiting your diet and letting your health suffer, you can find ways to consume the most nutritious foods in a way that is TMJ-friendly. At MedCenter TMJ, we educate our patients on ways to make healthy foods easier on the jaw. This may include fresh fruit and vegetable smoothies, healthy soups, and cooking, steaming, or sautéing vegetables.
More Than Jaw Pain
TMD can interfere with your enjoyment of life. Don’t let this happen to you. If you have jaw or orofacial pain, we can help. Contact MedCenter TMJ to schedule your appointment today!