Understanding Jaw Pain in Pregnancy: Causes and Comforting Solutions

Are you one of the expectant mothers grappling with the discomfort of jaw pain during pregnancy? The journey to motherhood is undoubtedly exciting and nerve-wracking, but the physical changes it brings to your body can bring unexpected challenges. In some cases, mothers-to-be experience jaw pain during pregnancy. Understanding the causes and spotting symptoms can help you move in the right direction of comforting solutions, and sometimes, a Redwood City chiropractic doctor for TMJ pain can also help you navigate this unique aspect of the maternal experience.

Possible Causes of Jaw Pain During Pregnancy

Are jaw pain or TMJ issues among the many symptoms you have to deal with along with the growth of another human being inside you, which can leave you puzzled? Various factors can contribute to this discomfort, including:

1. Lack of Calcium: Does your diet provide enough calcium for you and your baby?
2. ENT Infection: Could an ear, nose, or throat infection be the culprit?
3. Cardiovascular Conditions: Are changes in your cardiovascular system impacting your jaw?
4. Wisdom Teeth Emergence: Are those wisdom teeth making an untimely appearance?
5. Sleeping on One Side: Is your sleeping position putting extra pressure on your jaw?
6. Swelling in Jaw Muscles: Are swollen muscles in your jaw, neck, or head causing pain?
7. Teeth Grinding: Do you find yourself grinding your teeth, especially during sleep? Or perhaps your partner noticed this habit?

Understanding TMJ

The temporomandibular joint TMJ is a unique joint connecting the lower jaw (mandible) with the upper jaw (maxilla). Hormonal changes during pregnancy can trigger various symptoms, including jaw pain. Conditions similar to TMJ disorders include toothache, sinus problems, gum diseases, jaw ache, and a locked jaw.

The TMJ may experience swelling, fractures, or soreness, leading to limited movement and discomfort radiating to the neck and head. While arthritis in the TMJ is rare, fractures or displacement of the articular disc can cause severe pain and swelling.

Finding relief for pregnancy jaw pain

Below are non-invasive options you can explore to ease the discomfort you feel in your jaw area:

1. Cold Compress: Apply an ice pack to the face for pain relief.
2. Simple Exercises and Massage: Gentle stretches and jaw massages can alleviate pressure.
3. Choosing the Right Painkiller: Make sure you consult with a physician for suitable pain management options that are safe for pregnant women.
4. Eating Proper Foods: Soft foods like oatmeal and chamomile tea can provide relief.
5. Improving Posture: Good posture helps reduce facial and jaw pain.
6. Resting the Jaw: Avoid excessive chewing or tough foods to support healing.

Seek help from a Redwood City Chiropractic Doctor for TMJ Pain

For those seeking holistic options, Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care has shown promise in alleviating TMJ pain associated with pregnancy. Addressing misalignments in the C1 and C2 bones, this gentle method allows the body to heal naturally. Many individuals have reported improvements in pregnancy-related jaw pain after consulting with an Upper Cervical Chiropractor. The body and posture changes you experience may have affected the balance and alignment of your upper cervical bones.

Let us help evaluate your upper cervical spine alignment for you to experience lasting TMJ relief. Book your appointment with Dr. Pete Tsiglieris today!