Why Your Jaw Hurts After You Exercise

Athlete at the top of the mountain doing workout You work out to feel good. So it can be very frustrating to experience a flare-up of jaw pain when you exercise. Turns out, there are a few different reasons why your jaw might feel uncomfortable or tight. Some of them are issues that our Boulder dentist can treat.

Problems With Your Jaw Joints

Your jawbone and skull are connected by the temporomandibular joints on each side of your head. When there’s a problem with these joints, you may experience pain in them and the surrounding muscles. Exercising doesn’t cause TMJ or TMD. However, if you’re clenching your teeth or using improper form while working up a sweat, you could aggravate any existing issues.

Dr. Michael Adler is an experienced neuromuscular dentist who can help relieve your TMJ pain. He uses treatments such as TENS therapy, trigger point injections, and orthotic devices. 

Tooth Infections and Wear

Imagine that you’re running or skiing on a cold winter morning and you suck in a breath. The frigid air stings one or more of your teeth. This sensitive reaction can happen if you have a dental problem, such as a cavity, tooth infection, acute tooth injury, or worn-down tooth enamel.  

Some of these dental issues can also cause pain when clenching your jaws together during exercise. Make a conscious effort to keep your face relaxed and neutral while working out.

Other Habits and Conditions

Jaw pain can sometimes be a symptom of a serious cardiovascular problem. The pain usually comes on with exercise but subsides with rest. See a physician if you suspect a cardiac issue.

Another cause of jaw pain during physical activity is poor posture. For example, running in a forward-head position can expose your neck muscles to increased tension that radiates to the jaw. 

Schedule a Consultation Today

Dr. Michael Adler can determine if your pain is related to a dental or jaw issue. He trained in neuromuscular dentistry at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies.

Schedule an evaluation today at 303-449-1119. Adler Advanced Dentistry serves Boulder, Denver, Fort Collins, and nearby Colorado communities.

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