Jaw Problems - 2007/07/18 00:34So, I have a jaw problem that my voice teacher, band/choir director, doctor, and dentist cannot figure out, so I was wondering if anyone else here knows anything about it. Whenever I talk, sing or move my mouth in general if I've been eating something chewy (eg, badly cooked steak, licorice), my saw cracks like as if its unhinging and hinging... (sp?)
Now, my voice teacher has the same problem, but it's because she grinds her teeth, and my dentist can't find any reason to believe I grind or clench my teeth, so, i'm at a loss.
I do hold quite a bit of tension in my jaw, so if anyone has any suggestions to help the problem, just throw 'em out there, because it seems like I've tried everything... and I really hate not getting to have licorice or gum (i LOVE gum). or even any suggestions on loosening up my jaw, because that may help the problem... Thanx!Lissa
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Shannon
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Re:Jaw Problems - 2007/07/18 00:52I have this same problem...fortunately right now it's not that bad (KNOCK ON WOOD!), but in the past it's been very painful.
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Melissa
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Re:Jaw Problems - 2007/07/18 00:59the most annoying thing is when it happens durring concerts and reviews. then the beginnings and endings of words sound funky. good for character work sometimes, though...Lissa
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jmslp
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Re:Jaw Problems - 2007/07/18 08:33um... no one has suggested TMJ (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) ??? that is what it sounds like to me. when the muscles, tendons, joint etc. do not work "right" you might get pain, decreased range of motion, popping/cracking, etc. you say you hold a lot of tension in your jaw. do you grind your teeth at night (do you wake up w/ a headache or joint pain)? you might want to invest in a mouth guard.
don't be freaked out if it is TM(J)D. lots of people have it and it is manageable. in fact, i am one of those people!
ps-- try some yawn-sigh exercises, particularly before you sing. do them slowly and gradually-- you don't want to hurt yourself. if you hear popping or it becomes painful, stop. if you do them with consistency, you should build up strength in your jaw.
Post edited by: jmslp, at: 2007/07/18 08:49They call me Jessica (like: They call me lady luck... lol)
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Melissa
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Re:Jaw Problems - 2007/07/18 12:46I think that is what my dentist suggested, but didnt know what to do, because I dont grind my teeth, and I don't clench them. but thanks, and I'll check it out... maybe there is some other cause....Lissa
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ising88
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Re:Jaw Problems - 2007/07/19 11:00Sometimes it can be caused by a trauma, not an everyday wear and tear. I was hit by a car a couple summers ago and because of the impact I took, my jaw does that now. Could it be that you were hit by a stray soccer ball (I hear that is a common cause) or fell down? My doctor suggested surgery if it became too painful, but up until now it has not. The yawning excersizes help me also.~*~Angelina~*~
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margyjohnson
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Re:Jaw Problems - 2007/07/19 12:02I had that for awhile but it went away by itself. Mine I think started with a jawbreaker, oddly enough. It took about a year for it to stop popping out & in.Favorite Shows: Once on this Island, Wicked, Hairspray, Legally Blonde Dream Roles: Ado Annie/Oklahoma, Galinda/Wicked, Elle Woods/Legally Blonde Favorite Role: Ti Moune in Once On this Island Jr In Production: Best of Broadway Revue, Elle Woods/Legally Blonde
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Melissa
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Re:Jaw Problems - 2007/07/20 01:15Not trauma, that I know of... Its been doing that for a while now, but the past two years I have been singing more than ever, so I've been noticing more and more... but its on and off, and im getting sick of it! But today I chewed gum all day and it didnt do anything. a breakthrough? *knock on wood*Lissa
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mrmistofolees19
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Re:Jaw Problems - 2007/07/23 17:36omg.... i have the same problem.... i've had it for a year because my dog was running 100 mph and went smack into my face (lol i know, its rediculous) it doesnt hurt, (well, only when i chew those HUGE gumballs you find in vending machines) but its really bugging me. like when my voice teacher is telling me to open my mouth big, and i cant get it that tall unless i pop my jaw. i dont know if i should get surgery, but if i did, it would have to wait until next summer while im not busy singing during the school year. after reading the replies here, maybe mine will go away. and i'm glad to know im not alone.*´¨) ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•´ Annie
currently: nothing : (
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Annelle
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Re:Jaw Problems - 2007/07/23 22:27Have you tried going to a chiropractor? I had a similar problem. My jaw was out, like when you get your back out, or your neck out. Everytime I opened my mouth it would pop in my ear and it drove me crazy. I didn't notice it too much is I was talking, but it drove me crazy to chew anything, to the point where I didn't want to chew anything, plus it was starting to hurt. I ended up going to the chiropractor and he put my jaw back in and did an untrasound treatment. I also had to do some simple jaw exercises three times a day for about two weeks. I am since cured and if I do happen to feel it going slightly out, I just do a few exercises and it goes right back.
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21stCenturyEvita
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Re:Jaw Problems - 2007/07/24 07:56jmslp wrote: um... no one has suggested TMJ (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) ??? that is what it sounds like to me. when the muscles, tendons, joint etc. do not work "right" you might get pain, decreased range of motion, popping/cracking, etc. you say you hold a lot of tension in your jaw. do you grind your teeth at night (do you wake up w/ a headache or joint pain)? you might want to invest in a mouth guard.
don't be freaked out if it is TM(J)D. lots of people have it and it is manageable. in fact, i am one of those people!
ps-- try some yawn-sigh exercises, particularly before you sing. do them slowly and gradually-- you don't want to hurt yourself. if you hear popping or it becomes painful, stop. if you do them with consistency, you should build up strength in your jaw.<br><br>Post edited by: jmslp, at: 2007/07/18 08:49
I was just about to suggest that! My mom has it, and everything you described happens to her.Psalm 42:8
All the world's a stage....
Currently: Callbacks for Hello, Dolly! Just finished: Cyndra in High School Musical
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