🦷 What actually helps prevent jaw pain flares — especially for people with connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes and HSD?
In this week’s episode of @bendy_bodies, Professor Tara Renton of King’s College London shares practical, evidence-informed strategies that support people living with jaw pain, hypermobility, and TMD (temporomandibular dysfunction).
Tara highlights everyday triggers many people overlook — prolonged mouth opening during dental appointments, singing, or playing wind instruments. Even chewing gum or biting into tough foods like apples or burgers can place extra demand on already-stressed joints.
Her first advice? Modify where you can. Chop foods smaller, soften them, and reduce unnecessary strain on your jaw wherever possible. And yes, sometimes it really is those small daily changes that make the biggest difference.
She also expands on what to do when the basics aren’t helping. If your pain isn’t improving with splints, soft diet changes, behavior modification, acupuncture, or physiotherapy, there are other tools.
Medications used for other chronic pain conditions—such as tricyclic antidepressants (like amitriptyline) and some gabapentinoids—may be appropriate for people with persistent, debilitating symptoms. They can help calm pain pathways, support daily function, and rule out other contributors like migraine.
Her guidance reminds us that managing jaw pain is not about pushing through—it’s about smart adaptations, the right treatments, and knowing when it’s time to evaluate other causes.
💬 Question for you: What’s one everyday activity that tends to trigger your jaw symptoms?
#BendyBodies #DrLindaBluestein #TaraRenton #TMD #TMJ #JawPain #Hypermobility #HSD #EDS #ChronicPain #PainManagement #OralSurgery #TMDTriggers #JawStability #WholeBodyHealth
📌 Medical Advice Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized care.
