Don’t Let Jaw Pain Spook Your Halloween

Matthew Schwartz  PT, DPT, OCS, East York Clinic

Halloween is a time for fun and frights, but don’t let jaw pain be one of them. Just like too much candy can cause a toothache, overusing your jaw muscles can lead to TMJ pain. The influx of sticky and gummy treats makes jaw health a paramount concern.

Did you know candy and caramel apples are the leading contributor to Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD)!?

At LHM Physical Therapy Institute, we’re here to help you conquer your TMJ troubles and ensure a sweet and pain-free Halloween.

Jaw pain isn’t always localized to the mouth or jaw. So, here are some other symptoms to look for:

• Dental pain
• Facial pain or numbness/tingling
• Neck pain or numbness/tingling
• Headaches
• Dizziness/vertigo

Common causes of jaw pain include:

• Stress and anxiety
• Bruxism (teeth grinding)
• Poor posture
• Head or jaw trauma

TMD can impact various aspects of daily life, from eating and speaking to oral hygiene and even dental procedures. Physical therapy offers several approaches to alleviate symptoms and prevent exacerbation

• Manual interventions like massage, soft tissue and joint mobilizations to release tension in the muscles and joints surrounding the jaw and neck.
• Heat, cold, and electrical stimulation for pain relief.
• Strengthening and retraining scapular and core muscles to improve posture and reduce mechanical stress on the neck and jaw.
• Increasing awareness of jaw position throughout the day to reduce stress within the joints and muscles surrounding the jaw.
• Instruction on breathing techniques to reduce neck and jaw tension.
• Targeted strength and flexibility exercises to reinforce therapeutic gains.

Guidance on postural adjustments, dietary modifications, and stress reduction strategies.

So, this Halloween, don’t let jaw pain be the scare that ruins your fun. Let LHM Physical Therapy Institute be your trick to a treat – a pain-free and enjoyable Halloween. Schedule an appointment today and let us help you conquer your TMD troubles.

Happy Halloween!

LHMPTI