Jaw pain, often called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD or TMD), affects up to 12% of the general population, with women accounting for about 80% of cases. Among women in perimenopause and menopause, the incidence of TMJ-related discomfort appears to be significantly higher, though exact prevalence rates vary across studies. Some estimates suggest up to 31% of perimenopausal women report jaw pain or dysfunction, often alongside other musculoskeletal complaints (LeResche, 1997; Isola et al., 2021).
Why Does Jaw Pain Increase During Perimenopause?
One of the primary drivers of this phenomenon is the decline in oestrogen levels. Oestrogen plays a critical role in maintaining joint health, soft tissue health, and inflammatory balance. When oestrogen declines during perimenopause, connective tissues—including those supporting the jaw—become less elastic, more prone to inflammation, and slower to heal. This can lead to:
- Joint stiffness or clicking
- Jaw locking (open or closed)
- Pain in the jaw, temples, ears, or neck
- Headaches or migraines
- Tooth sensitivity or aching without dental cause
- Difficulty chewing or talking
Additionally, hormonal shifts can increase cortisol levels, contributing to jaw clenching and bruxism (teeth grinding), particularly during sleep. These habits overload the jaw muscles and ligaments, exacerbating pain.
How Bodywork Therapies Can Help
Myotherapy and remedial massage can reduce jaw tension by directly addressing the muscles involved in clenching and chewing, such as the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoids. Techniques include trigger point therapy, intra-oral massage (by a trained therapist), and soft tissue release, which have been shown to reduce jaw pain and improve function (La Touche et al., 2014).
Chiropractic adjustments may also benefit women with jaw pain by improving cervical spine alignment and reducing neuromuscular stress on the jaw. Research indicates that spinal manipulative therapy can help reduce pain and enhance mobility in the jaw and neck region (Cooperstein & Hickey, 2016).
Relevant Studies:
- La Touche, R. et al. (2014). Effectiveness of therapeutic massage in the management of TMD: A systematic review. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 41(3), 163-173.
- Isola, G. et al. (2021). Temporomandibular disorders and hormonal imbalances: A systematic review. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 12, 643748.
- Cooperstein, R., & Hickey, M. (2016). Manual therapy for temporomandibular disorders: A review of the literature. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 15(3), 192–202.