Do You Suffer from Pelvic Pain and Jaw Pain? Here’s Why They Might Be Connected
Do you experience pelvic pain or other symptoms of pelvic floor overactivity? Do you also suffer from jaw pain or frequent headaches? It may surprise you to learn that these two seemingly unrelated issues can actually be connected. Jaw pain and pelvic pain often go hand-in-hand due to the intricate systems within the body that link tension and stress across different areas. At Pacer Physical Therapy, we specialize in addressing these issues holistically through pelvic health physical therapy, providing relief for women dealing with these challenging conditions.
What Is TMJ Dysfunction?
TMJ dysfunction, or temporomandibular joint dysfunction, refers to problems affecting the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. Common symptoms include:
- Jaw pain or stiffness
- Headaches
- Difficulty chewing
- Ear pain or a feeling of fullness in the ears
TMJ dysfunction can stem from stress, teeth grinding (bruxism), poor posture, or jaw misalignment. It also frequently involves the muscles of the face, neck, and shoulders, making it a complex condition to address.
How Are the Jaw and Pelvis Connected?
At first glance, the jaw and pelvis may seem entirely unrelated. However, the body’s fascial system—a network of connective tissue—links these areas in profound ways. This fascial system transfers forces and tension throughout the body, meaning dysfunction in one area, like the jaw, can contribute to issues in another, such as the pelvic floor.
For example, clenching your jaw due to stress can lead to increased tension in your pelvic floor muscles. This chain reaction may exacerbate pelvic pain and create a cycle of discomfort. Individuals with chronic conditions like fibromyalgia or hypermobility disorders are especially prone to experiencing this interplay because of heightened nervous system sensitivity, which amplifies tension and pain across multiple regions.
The Role of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy
At Pacer Physical Therapy, we use a holistic and individualized approach to address jaw and pelvic pain, targeting the root causes rather than just the symptoms. Here are some of the key treatment techniques we employ:
1. Manual Therapy
We restore mobility to muscles, nerves, and joints in the jaw, pelvis, and surrounding areas. By addressing the fascial connections between the two, we can reduce pain and improve function.
2. Strengthening Exercises
We focus on building muscular stability in the neck, shoulders, core, and hips to create a supportive foundation that helps reduce tension and prevent pain recurrence.
3. Dry Needling and Electrical Stimulation
These advanced techniques target overactive muscles, promote mobility, and enhance the connection between your brain, nerves, and muscles. They are particularly effective for managing both jaw and pelvic pain.
4. Education and Lifestyle Guidance
We empower our clients with practical strategies for posture improvement, breathing techniques, nervous system regulation, stress management, and lifestyle modifications. These tools can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall quality of life.
Breaking the Cycle of Pain
When jaw pain and pelvic pain are addressed together, the results can be transformative. By focusing on the whole body, pelvic health physical therapy can help interrupt the cycle of tension and discomfort. Our goal is to restore balance, improve function, and help you return to the activities you love without pain.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
Remember, each person’s experience is unique! If you’re struggling with pelvic pain, jaw pain, or both, you don’t have to face it alone. At Pacer Physical Therapy, we are here to assist in coming up with a game plan, help you feel empowered and confident with movement, and support you throughout your journey to a pain-free life and beyond. To learn more or work with us, book a complimentary discovery call today!
You got this!
Dr. Vera
