The Relatively Simple Theory of Jaw Function

[coelocanth]

States:

1. The functioning pattern of the jaws (occlusion) is one of the body's major adaptive mechanisms.

2. When the body becomes over-stressed due to emotional factors, physical injury or malocclusion, corresponding tension in the muscles, ligaments and membranes can develop.

3. It is this tension that leads to pain and dysfunction symptoms.

4. The body will inately try to respond with a subtle, sometimes barely detectable shift in the functioning pattern of the jaws to relieve this tension.

5. If the stresses exceed the body's ability to adapt or the functioning pattern of the jaws to shift, the pain becomes chronic.

[Sugaree]

sounds like that can lead to tmj. I have had a few tmj flare ups. I recognize that I often clench my teeth when I am in pain and in my sleep. That is a painful experience especially with a migraine.