The Jaw Pain Women Mistake for Stress
Jaw pain, teeth grinding, headaches, ear pressure — many women attribute these to stress. But temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) affects women 3–4 times more than men, peaking in midlife.
Hormonal sensitivity, sleep disruption, anxiety, and muscle tension all play a role. Untreated TMJ can lead to chronic facial pain, migraines, and eating difficulties.
Treatment includes night guards, physical therapy for the jaw and neck, stress regulation, and correcting bite alignment. Addressing sleep quality is critical — TMJ severity correlates strongly with poor sleep.
You’re not clenching because you’re “tense.” Your nervous system is overloaded.
#Health #WomensHealth #JawHealth
