Stress as Both Cause and Effect of TMJ Pain

Stress plays a dual role in TMJ pain—it can cause muscle tension that leads to pain, and the pain itself can increase stress levels. This creates a vicious cycle that is difficult to escape without intervention.

Stress often causes people to clench their jaws or grind their teeth, which exacerbates TMJ symptoms. Stress management strategies like yoga, meditation, and biofeedback can help reduce both stress and TMJ-related discomfort.