A triad is a group of three elements that share a particular link.
Although these three symptoms may occur in isolation, they are generally observed together in individuals with high work-related stress, who maintain improper postures for prolonged periods, or who experience chronic anxiety.
Bruxism involves involuntarily clenching or grinding teeth during sleep and reflects a state of tension in the body. This habit causes pain in the area where the jaw connects to the face, which sometimes radiates to the teeth. The pain generates pressure on the surrounding muscles of the face, head, and neck, leading to headaches and neck pain in the mornings.
If you also notice clicking sounds when opening your mouth, muscle spasms in the neck and face, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), or ear pain, the problem may be temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. In such cases, it is advisable to consult a specialist, specifically a maxillofacial surgeon.
Treating bruxism can alleviate head and neck pain, so here are some recommendations:
- Avoid eating nuts
- Avoid chewing gum
- Do not smoke
- Do not bite your nails
- Avoid stimulating beverages such as coffee or tea, and alcoholic beverages
- Self-massage the jaw and surrounding areas
- Apply cold compresses to the area
- Maintain good sleep hygiene
- Engage in daily physical activity
- Do not exercise after 6 PM
I strongly recommend visiting a specialized center to have a custom nocturnal splint molded to relax the jaw and prevent tooth wear, as well as attending specific physiotherapy sessions during periods of severe pain.
And remember, all treatments initiated will be less effective if you do not manage stress and anxiety.
Here is a self-massage video:
