Running & TMJ

[paintitbetter]

I am a runner. I like to run to relive my stress. I don't know if the pounding is very good for TMJD, though. I brought this up to my doctor and she said, If it was causing a problem you would feel it. It doesn't seem to effect my symptoms one way or the other. But I don't want to prolong my progress, or cause any further damage. Anyone have any advice or experience with the effect of the pounding on the TMJ joints while running? Thanks
Mark

[J-man]

Hi Mark,

Although I'm not sure, my suspicion would be that generally running would be ok for your joints, provided that your teeth are not clenching while you're doing it, or tapping together a lot each time your weight comes down on your feet. If this is happening, if you could find some way to stop to from happening, or to minimize the effects from it, that might help ( eg put cotton balls between your teeth or something like that)

But I'd have to say that as long as your teeth aren't clenching or coming together a lot during the exercise, the benefits from the stress release would likely make running worthwhile.

Those are just my thoughts on the matter :-)

John

[Al4]

Hi Mark,

I agree with John. I try to run outdoors or on a treadmill with teeth not touching. I have not noticed any increase in pain or jaw joint clicking while running.