Dr Maggie Ju
Acupuncture London
07944930253
Belgravia and Notting Hill ​
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Pain Relief: headaches, jaw pain, neck pain, shoulder pain back pain hip pain and groin pain knee pain vulvodynia UTI and bladder pain pelvic pain nerve pain arthritis elbow pain hand and wrist pain eye pain ear pain
Fertility and Miscarriage: infertility, miscarriage, high FSH, low AMH, short luteal phase, low progesterone, IVF support PCOS POF endometriosis
Antiaging and skin care: facial rejuvenation wrinkle reduction face lift skin tightening pore reduction neck lines skin smoothing, puffy face
Dr Maggie Ju Acupuncture Treatment:
Efficient, Natural, Gentle, Pain Free, Noninvasive, Minimal side effects
Jaw pain
Understanding Jaw Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Acupuncture Treatment
Jaw pain is a common and often debilitating condition that can affect individuals of all ages. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), responsible for the movement of the jaw, can be susceptible to various issues leading to discomfort and pain.
Causes of Jaw Pain:
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD): TMD is a broad term encompassing various conditions affecting the TMJ and surrounding muscles. These disorders can result from factors such as jaw misalignment, arthritis, or excessive teeth grinding (bruxism).
Bruxism: Grinding or clenching teeth, especially during sleep, is a common cause of jaw pain. Chronic bruxism can lead to muscle fatigue, inflammation, and joint discomfort.
Dental Issues: Tooth-related problems, including cavities, abscesses, or misaligned teeth, may contribute to jaw pain. The pain can be localized around the affected tooth or radiate to the jaw.
Injuries: Trauma to the jaw, whether from a sports injury, accident, or physical altercation, can result in acute or chronic jaw pain.
Arthritis: Various forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, can affect the TMJ, causing pain and restricted movement.
Symptoms of Jaw Pain:
Pain and Discomfort: Persistent pain in the jaw or facial muscles is a primary symptom of jaw issues. This discomfort may be dull and achy or sharp and stabbing.
Difficulty or Discomfort While Chewing: Individuals with jaw pain may experience pain or discomfort while chewing, making eating a challenging and painful task.
Clicking or Popping Sounds: Some people with TMD may notice clicking, popping, or grating sounds when they open or close their mouths. These noises can be indicative of joint dysfunction.
Locking of the Jaw: In severe cases, the jaw may temporarily lock, making it difficult for the individual to open or close their mouth fully.
Acupuncture can help release the jaw pain.
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Understanding Jaw Pain: The Role of Related Muscles
Jaw pain is a common yet complex condition that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. Often, the source of this pain can be traced back to the muscles related to the jaw, each playing a critical role in its function. Understanding these muscles and how they contribute to jaw pain can help in identifying effective treatment options.
Key Muscles Involved in Jaw Pain
Masseter Muscle The masseter is one of the strongest muscles in the body relative to its size and is crucial for chewing. It spans from the zygomatic arch (cheekbone) to the lower jaw (mandible). Overuse or strain of the masseter muscle, often due to clenching or grinding (bruxism), can lead to significant pain and discomfort.
Temporalis Muscle This fan-shaped muscle is located on the side of the head, above the ear. It helps elevate and retract the mandible, playing a key role in chewing. Tension headaches and jaw pain can often be linked to tightness or spasms in the temporalis muscle.
Medial Pterygoid Muscle Located inside the mandible, the medial pterygoid muscle works alongside the masseter to close the jaw. Dysfunction or overactivity of this muscle can cause pain, particularly when opening the mouth wide or chewing.
Lateral Pterygoid Muscle The lateral pterygoid is crucial for opening the jaw and moving it side-to-side. It is located deeper within the jaw and can contribute to pain and dysfunction, especially if it becomes hyperactive or strained.
Digastric Muscle This muscle has two parts: the anterior and posterior bellies. It is involved in depressing the mandible (opening the mouth) and stabilizing the hyoid bone during swallowing. Tightness or dysfunction in the digastric muscle can contribute to jaw pain, particularly under the chin and along the jawline.
Common Causes of Muscle-Related Jaw Pain
Bruxism Teeth grinding and clenching, often occurring during sleep, can overwork the jaw muscles, particularly the masseter and temporalis. This leads to muscle fatigue, pain, and sometimes headaches.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) TMD encompasses various conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding muscles. Symptoms include jaw pain, restricted movement, and clicking or popping sounds. Muscle strain and imbalance are common contributors to TMD.
Stress and Anxiety Psychological stress often manifests physically, causing increased muscle tension in the jaw. Stress-induced bruxism is a typical example of this phenomenon.
Poor Posture Forward head posture and other forms of poor alignment can strain the muscles of the neck and jaw, leading to pain and dysfunction.
Conclusion
Jaw pain often stems from issues within the muscles that control its movement. Understanding the role of the masseter, temporalis, medial and lateral pterygoid, and digastric muscles in jaw function can help in identifying the root cause of pain and pursuing effective treatment strategies. Acupuncture is one of the effective treatments for jaw pain and tension.