Many people experience jaw pain after crying. This common discomfort often leaves individuals wondering about its cause. Understanding the physiological responses involved in crying and stress can help clarify why this pain occurs.
How Crying Strains Your Jaw Muscles
The act of crying involves significant engagement of various facial and jaw muscles. Muscles such as the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid, primarily responsible for chewing and jaw movement, become actively involved during sobbing episodes. Repetitive contractions of these muscles during intense crying can lead to fatigue and soreness.
During emotional distress, individuals may subconsciously clench their teeth, a behavior known as bruxism. This involuntary clenching or grinding places additional pressure and strain on the jaw joint and surrounding musculature. Prolonged or forceful muscle activity can result in muscle fatigue, inflammation, and pain. The continuous tension and overuse of these muscles contribute directly to the aching sensation felt in the jaw after crying.
The Body’s Stress Response and Jaw Tension
Crying activates the body’s stress response system, specifically the sympathetic nervous system. This “fight or flight” response increases muscle tension throughout various areas, including the jaw. Emotional distress can trigger this generalized muscle tightening.
The jaw is a common area where this stress-induced tension manifests. Heightened anxiety or stress levels can lead to unconscious clenching or grinding of the teeth. This sustained muscle contraction, driven by the body’s stress hormones, contributes significantly to jaw soreness and discomfort. The intricate connection between emotional states and physical tension explains why jaw pain can arise following an emotional episode like crying.
Underlying Jaw Issues That Worsen Pain
Pre-existing or chronic jaw conditions can intensify the pain experienced after crying. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders, which affect the joints connecting the jawbone to the skull and the muscles controlling jaw movement, are a common example. Individuals with TMJ disorders often experience increased jaw pain due to the added stress and muscle tension caused by crying.
Chronic bruxism also contributes to exacerbated jaw pain. Whether occurring during the day or sleep, this habit puts considerable strain on jaw muscles and the TMJ. Jaw misalignment, where the upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly, can further compound the issue by causing uneven pressure on the jaw joints and muscles. While crying might trigger acute pain, these underlying problems make individuals more susceptible to severe or prolonged discomfort.
Managing Jaw Pain and When to See a Doctor
To alleviate jaw pain after crying, several self-care methods can provide relief. Applying a warm compress to the affected area can help relax tense muscles and reduce discomfort. Gentle massage of the jaw muscles, particularly the masseter and temporalis, can also promote relaxation and ease soreness. Simple jaw stretching exercises, performed slowly, may improve flexibility and reduce stiffness. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help manage pain and inflammation.
Incorporating relaxation techniques into daily routines can mitigate overall stress and muscle tension. Practices like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga may help calm the sympathetic nervous system and prevent excessive jaw clenching. If jaw pain persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, professional medical attention may be necessary.
Seek a doctor or dentist if you experience persistent pain, difficulty opening or closing your mouth fully, jaw locking, or clicking or popping sounds with pain. Pain radiating to the ear, head, or neck, or changes in how your teeth fit together, also warrant evaluation. These symptoms could indicate an underlying TMJ disorder or other dental issues requiring professional assessment.