My jaw is so tense it hurts help!!!

[whitestar]

I had a baby 8 weeks ago and the last few weeks I 've had a horrible feeling in my jaw and neck. It's like a tightness, tension thing and as other things wind me up ie dh, dd and ds1 it gets worst untill I feel like I could really lash out at someone. I did mention it at my 6week check and dr said it sounds like anxiety but that was it no advice.

Am I the only person to have this thing that I struggle to describe? and if not can anyone help me get rid of it?

It sounds as though you strained a muscle in your neck during labour: the after effect would be to increase your tension, and this would make the problem worse, causing a vicious circle. I did it myself (though not in labour) and it was exactly as you describe! If you can afford it I would recommend seeing a good local osteopath for manipulation. It;s painless and one session will set you back about £45. Worth every penny if you have to live with the pain. A good osteopath should be able to fit you in for an initial appointment within a week or so if you explain the problem. HTH

thanks Callmemadam, I never thought of that definately worth ago {smile]

Any other suggestions the more the better I'm going mad with this

Whitestar, I REALLY mean it - ask around or look up yellow pages, or even better your surgery should have a telephone number for an osteopath: it really should help you.

It sounds to me like you are clenching/grinding.

You have just had a baby & you are obv stressed. If you are clenching/grinding you wouldn't always be aware of it. Ask dh if you make any grinding noises at night, do you wake you feeling groggy (I know, you just had a baby, but there is tiredness and groggyness, you'd feel the difference) Are your teeth tender when you eat harder stuff? If you put your finger in you ear and press firmly towards your jaw joint, open as wide as you can (put on as much pressure as poss) does hat hurt/feel tender? When is it worse?

Whe you are concentrating, i.e feeding, changing, bathing baby try and notice of you are clenching your jaws together, If you are sit your tongue inbetween your teeth, that will break the clench at that time.

But in the long term if you think you are grinding/clenching see a dentist, you may need a biteguard to help you break the habit.

I suffer from grinding my teeth in my sleep.

I take syndol - its a painkiller with a mild muscle relaxant in it. Check if its okay to take first if you are b/feeding but it does the job for me.

Thanks everyone,
I've brought syndol, and have booked acupuncture and osteopath for next week fingers crossed something will work

Let us know - good luck

visit your dentist and ask him to make you a bite guard, you wear it at night and it stops teeth brinding/clenching which can cause, migraines, jaw pain, nexk pain etc.

I use a night guard and have reflexology when i can afford it its great. The night guard really does help relax the jaw

Please go see your dentist to rule out a dental problem, other opinions are speculative.