Jaw Massage to Loosen Tension in the Muscles — Good for Tinnitus / Stress?

[gillme]

Hi there,

I've developed quite a bad habit every time I put on my facemask of gurning and jaw clenching. I sort of thought I had majestically escaped any negative mental consequences of COVID-19 but now in hindsight it's an anxious reaction to the mask-wearing and fear of the state of the world.

Subsequently, it's become apparent that my tinnitus (I have had it 11 years) has also become more intrusive in the last 6 months. It's been a very very long time I saw a doctor about it but went recently and he told me to take Magnesium and Ginkgo biloba. The Magnesium is definitely helping with relaxing my jaw and I'm yet to take the Ginkgo biloba but will give it a shot. Following this he's suggested doing jaw massaging therapy to loosen the tension in the muscles as he feels this may alleviate the spikes/stress.

I don't mind the supplements but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a bit scared about someone playing with my jaw and it potentially spiking the tinnitus or having a negative reaction. It's a new doctor, with a good track record and I'll likely trust him but was curious to know if anyone experience with this or any advice? Thanks!

 

[Hazel]

Hey there! Good to see you around Sorry to hear about the reason

In my humble opinion, massage seems quite risk free and has certainly helped me with my tinnitus. I do get a tight jaw as well sometimes, which can even trigger ear pain (at least this is where my ENT told me the ear pain might come from). I just massage it myself and do some basic exercises. I like this video.

But I'm certainly no expert. I believe @Greg Sacramento has a lot of experience with these kinds of complaints, maybe he can advise?

 

[Greg Sacramento]

@gillme, sometimes doctors don't get enough involved with those with tinnitus or explore possible physical causes of one's tinnitus. If you are having jaw problems with tinnitus and you think this may also causing an increase in tinnitus, I would read up on 3D dental cone beam. An MRI had some advantages over a 3D cone beam and has no radiation, but an MRI for this head study area is loud and only non metal ear plugs can be used. A 3D cone beam also has some advantages over an MRI.

A 3D cone beam study will include periodontal, occlusion, airway, opacities, sinuses, nose, TMJs, areas behind eyes, maxilla, mandible and C-spine. Study will be read by an Oral & Maxillofacial radiologist and an Interventional radiologist if performed at a 3D dental cone beam center. You will receive written results by mail with a summary page and about 50 pages of notations/pictures with also a CD. You can then have high rated specialists by patients, including a high rated caring Maxillofacial dentist examine the findings. I would take a look at summary page if you wish. Just black out any personal information.

Or, if you give more details about your tinnitus and any possible physical concerns, including jaw or hypertension related issues, comment to that may help.

Magnesium should be taken three times daily. 400 mg Magnesium Glycinate cut into thirds or 200 mg taken three times a day.

Hugs.

 

[gillme]

Thank you @Hazel and @Greg Sacramento. That's very very helpful!