Just answered an enquiry, as to - if osteopathy would likely help with this problem, so thought it may be of help to others.
A stiff jaw (TMJ) problem is usually inextricably linked to a problematic (usually stiff, but may not be causing local pain) upper neck, which is also the most common cause of headaches.
Teeth clenching & grinding is often part of this vicious circle & one of the factors that maintains the problem. This also interferes with quality of sleep, contributing to 'stress' & fatigue which also maintains & prevents the problem from resolving. [:@]
So the neck & jaw joints are key areas that would be examined & treated as appropriate to the findings, but there may well be other problematic areas that also contribute to the whole picture. 😮
So, yes osteopathy will very likely help with this problem.
RE: Bruxism (teeth clenching & grinding)
When I have client's with headaches a little probing often turns up that they grind their teeth when they are asleep. They don't usually think about it until you prompt them and then they will tell you that they do this, or they think they do.
Some people can actually see that they have been grinding their teeth as they are worn away. Of course it is often stress-related.
RE: Bruxism (teeth clenching & grinding)
I grind, my dentist has told me that you can have a sort of plate made to go inside your mouth at night, rather like boxers wear to protect their teeth. I know someone who had one and although it took a few months she stopped grinding. Apparently they are a little uncomfortable to get used to at first, but it is worth it (teeth last longer, fewer headaches etc. Maybe I'll try one someday, who knows.
RE: Bruxism (teeth clenching & grinding)
I have terrible problems with my jaw it clicks constantly when eating, i also grind my teeth at night, but I don't feel stressed, I have been doing this for years, a while ago my dentist made me one of these mouth shields to wear at night, hubby took one look, said I looked like a boxer and where are my gloves!:) So unfortunately it was promptly put in the bin!
Alli
RE: Bruxism (teeth clenching & grinding)
Bah, you should have decked him one (you had the shield to protect yourself already!) They are seriosly meant to be great and most don't have to continue to wear them for a very long period.
RE: Bruxism (teeth clenching & grinding)
Hi Alli (appropriate name in this case!)
I also had a very clicky jaw. I have got an open anterior bite and had so much dental work done as a child I probably should have gone in the Guiness Book of Records. I had a dentist who used me as a guinea pig I think.
One day in my mid thirties I was enjoying a particularly chewy bagel and it locked totally. It was incredibly painful, but worse - I hadn't finished the mouthful! After that I went to see a specialist and they actually wanted to break my jaw and re-set it. OUCH!!!
I declined their kind offer and had braces fitted instead at the age of 36, for two years. It has helped, my teeth are straighter and my jaw doesn't give me problems like it did.;)
RE: Bruxism (teeth clenching & grinding)
I'm with Gussie on the Ali decking hubby issue. [:o]
Would hubby rather you suffer?
Although the shields are a palliative measure they can ease the problem over time, if you persist.
I personally would try & get closer to the cause, by getting an osteopath to look at your TMJ's & neck, but then I said that already.
They should also be able to advise you on neck & jaw stretches to help yourself & therefore less treatment required. 😉
Stress is a funny thing & I'm not assuming, but we're not always aware of it until we relearn how to relax (e.g. learn to meditate), then we can feel the difference. 😮