Experiencing jaw pain during an emotional moment, such as crying, is not uncommon. For many people, the sensation of jaw discomfort while crying is puzzling and sometimes distressing. This phenomenon can be tied to several underlying issues, including stress, tension, and more serious conditions like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Understanding why your jaw hurts when you cry requires delving into the mechanics of jaw function, emotional responses, and the role of TMJ disorders.
In this blog, we will explore the connection between emotional distress, jaw pain, and TMJ disorders, providing valuable insights into why this occurs and what you can do to manage or alleviate it. Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari, a leading TMJ specialist, shares key information to help you understand this pain and the potential treatments available.
Understanding the Jaw’s Complex Mechanics
The jaw is a highly complex and dynamic structure that is responsible for a range of movements required for chewing, speaking, and even facial expressions. The temporomandibular joint, located just in front of the ears on either side of your head, acts as a hinge that allows the jaw to move smoothly in different directions. It connects the jawbone (mandible) to the skull and is surrounded by muscles, ligaments, and cartilage.
Given the essential role the jaw plays in many daily functions, any disruption to the temporomandibular joint can lead to pain and discomfort. This pain may become more noticeable during periods of emotional stress, such as when crying, as the muscles around the jaw tighten and contract.
How Emotional Responses Impact Your Jaw
When you cry, your body undergoes a variety of physical changes. Emotional responses, especially intense ones, often trigger muscle tension. Your jaw muscles, much like other muscles in your body, can become tight or strained during emotional distress. Crying, particularly when it involves deep sobs, may exacerbate this muscle tension, leading to pain in your jaw.
Here are several factors that explain why your jaw may hurt when you cry:
1. Tension in the Facial and Jaw Muscles
Crying is an emotional release, but it also places significant strain on the muscles of the face, neck, and jaw. Many people clench their teeth or tighten their facial muscles involuntarily when they cry, which increases the pressure on the temporomandibular joint. This clenching and tightening can lead to muscle fatigue and soreness, contributing to jaw pain.
2. Increased Muscle Activity
During crying, the muscles surrounding the temporomandibular joint become more active than usual. Crying is often accompanied by facial expressions, which involve the movement of muscles in the cheeks, around the mouth, and in the jaw. The frequent movement of these muscles, combined with the emotional stress of crying, may cause discomfort or exacerbate existing TMJ issues.
3. Involuntary Teeth Clenching or Grinding
Crying may also trigger bruxism, a condition where individuals grind or clench their teeth involuntarily. While some people primarily experience bruxism during sleep, emotional stress can lead to daytime clenching or grinding, particularly during intense moments like crying. This behavior can increase the stress placed on the jaw joint, causing pain.
4. TMJ Disorders
For individuals with a pre-existing temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ disorder or TMD), crying may exacerbate their symptoms. TMJ disorders involve inflammation or dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint and can cause chronic jaw pain, headaches, and even neck or shoulder pain. Emotional stress is a known trigger for TMJ flare-ups, and crying may increase muscle tension in an already compromised joint, leading to significant discomfort.
What Are TMJ Disorders?
Temporomandibular joint disorders refer to a group of conditions that affect the movement and functionality of the jaw joint. TMJ disorders are characterized by pain in the jaw, face, and surrounding muscles, along with difficulty chewing, clicking or popping sounds in the jaw, and sometimes even headaches or ear pain.
Several factors can contribute to TMJ disorders, including:
- Injury or trauma to the jaw: A blow or injury to the jaw can damage the temporomandibular joint, leading to chronic pain or dysfunction.
- Arthritis: Degenerative or inflammatory arthritis in the temporomandibular joint can cause discomfort and restrict movement.
- Chronic clenching or grinding: Bruxism, especially when triggered by stress, can lead to long-term wear and tear on the jaw joint, resulting in a TMJ disorder.
- Misalignment of the jaw or teeth: Structural issues with the alignment of the jaw or bite may place undue pressure on the temporomandibular joint, causing pain and dysfunction.
- Stress and tension: Emotional or psychological stress is often associated with muscle tension in the jaw, which can lead to the development or worsening of TMJ disorders.
Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari, a specialist in TMJ treatment, emphasizes that TMJ disorders can be a significant source of chronic pain and discomfort, affecting not only jaw function but also other areas of the body such as the neck, shoulders, and head.
Why Does Crying Affect TMJ Disorders?
Crying, particularly intense crying, can cause the muscles in the jaw to contract and tighten, placing additional strain on the temporomandibular joint. For individuals with TMJ disorders, this increased tension may lead to a flare-up of symptoms. The combination of muscle fatigue and joint dysfunction can result in significant jaw pain during and after crying.
In many cases, people with TMJ disorders also report that their pain worsens during periods of emotional stress or anxiety. Stress is a well-known trigger for muscle tension, and when combined with the muscle movements involved in crying, it can exacerbate the symptoms of TMJ disorders.
Treatment Options for Jaw Pain
If you experience jaw pain when you cry, particularly if the pain is frequent or severe, it may be related to TMJ disorders or muscle tension. Treatment for jaw pain depends on the underlying cause, and a TMJ specialist like Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari can provide tailored solutions to help manage your symptoms.
Here are some common treatment options for jaw pain related to TMJ disorders:
1. TMJ Exercises and Physical Therapy
Stretching and strengthening exercises for the jaw can help alleviate muscle tension and improve joint function. A physical therapist may also use massage techniques or ultrasound therapy to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
2. Stress Management
Learning how to manage stress through relaxation techniques, mindfulness, or therapy can significantly reduce muscle tension in the jaw. Reducing stress can help prevent the clenching or grinding that often accompanies emotional distress.
3. Medications
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation in the temporomandibular joint. In some cases, muscle relaxants or corticosteroid injections may be recommended to alleviate more severe symptoms.
4. Mouthguards or Splints
A dentist or TMJ specialist may recommend the use of a custom mouthguard or splint to help reduce teeth grinding or clenching, especially during sleep. These devices can alleviate pressure on the temporomandibular joint and protect the teeth from damage.
5. Jaw Surgery
In severe cases of TMJ disorder, surgery may be required to repair or replace the temporomandibular joint. However, this is typically only recommended when conservative treatments have failed to provide relief.
When to See a TMJ Specialist
If you experience persistent jaw pain, particularly when crying or during other emotionally charged moments, it is essential to seek help from a TMJ specialist. Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari is a highly experienced TMJ specialist who can diagnose and treat TMJ disorders, providing relief from chronic pain and improving jaw function.
Left untreated, TMJ disorders can lead to more severe complications, including chronic headaches, ear pain, and difficulty eating or speaking. Seeking early treatment can help prevent further damage to the temporomandibular joint and provide lasting relief from pain and discomfort.
Conclusion
Jaw pain when crying is often the result of muscle tension, involuntary clenching, or an underlying TMJ disorder. If you experience frequent or severe jaw pain, especially during emotional moments, it is important to seek help from a specialist like Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari. TMJ treatment options, including physical therapy, stress management, and medication, can help alleviate pain and improve your overall quality of life.
Meet Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari, DDS, FAAOP – TMJ Specialist Facial & Oral Pain Specialist
Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari is a board-certified TMJ and Oral Facial Pain specialist. He focuses his practice on TMJ disorders, oral pain, facial pain and associated headaches. He treats patients in New York City. His practice is conveniently located in midtown Manhattan three blocks from Grand Central Terminal and Bryant Park.
- Assistant Clinical Professor, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
- Treasurer and Committee Chair, NYU Dentistry Alumni Association
- Diplomate, American Board of Orofacial Pain
- Fellow, American Academy of Orofacial Pain
- Chair of Membership Committee, American Academy of Orofacial Pain
Dr. Nojan shares his in-depth knowledge of the TMJ, oral and facial pain as Assistant Clinical Professor at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. He taught for 5 years at Yale-New Haven Hospital as a clinical attending and course director. He is one of very few diplomates of the American Board of Orofacial Pain and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain.
As an expert in the field, he has been invited to lecture at New York University, New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, New York State Dental Association, Woodhull Hospital, Lincoln Medical Center, and numerous dental societies and conferences (including Greenwich and Stamford Dental Societies, New Haven Dental Association, Connecticut Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, New England Dental Society Annual Meeting).
Book Your Appointment Today with Dr. Nojan!