What Causes TMJ Pain?

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ or TMD) refers to a group of conditions affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, often resulting in pain, stiffness, or impaired movement of the jaw. The temporomandibular joints, located on each side of the head near the ears, connect the jawbone to the skull and play a critical role in speaking, chewing, and yawning.

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, an estimated 39 million Americans are affected by TMJ disorders, making it one of the most common causes of chronic facial pain.

The Most Common Cause

While TMJ pain can be caused by various factors such as injury, misalignment, or arthritis, the most common cause (Up to 70% of cases) is chronic jaw tension linked to stress and anxiety. This often leads what we refer to as the Jaw Tension Cycle — a self-reinforcing loop of muscle tension, inflammation, and persistent discomfort.

The Jaw Tension Cycle

The Jaw Tension Cycle is a self-reinforcing loop where a stress or anxiety trigger leads to jaw clenching, causing chemical changes in the muscles that result in soreness, spasms, inflammation, and pain — which in turn heightens nervous system sensitivity and perpetuates the cycle.

Trigger Event

The Jaw Tension Cycle is often initiated by a physiological or psychological trigger, most commonly emotional stress or anxiety. These stressors activate the body’s fight-or-flight response, leading to increased muscle tension in the jaw and surrounding areas. This sustained tension is typically unconscious and may occur during both waking hours and sleep, setting the stage for a cascade of neuromuscular changes that contribute to temporomandibular joint dysfunction.†

Chemical Changes

Prolonged, unconscious tension in the masticatory muscles can lead to localized biochemical alterations, including reduced perfusion, accumulation of metabolic byproducts, and elevated pro-inflammatory mediators. These changes impair muscle function, increase sensitivity, and exacerbate discomfort. By promoting muscle relaxation, TMJ ComfortPlus may help restore physiological balance and interrupt this early phase of the cycle.†

Muscle Soreness & Spasm

Unresolved muscle tension and biochemical imbalances can result in myofascial soreness, loss of muscle flexibility, and involuntary spasms in the muscles surrounding the temporomandibular joint. These symptoms further restrict jaw function and contribute to the development of chronic pain. TMJ ComfortPlus is formulated to support early-phase muscle relaxation, promoting a calm state in muscles commonly affected by stress and tension — including those involved in jaw movement.†

Inflammation & Pain

Sustained muscle tension and ischemia promote the release of inflammatory mediators—including cytokines and prostaglandins—which sensitize peripheral nociceptors and contribute to localized pain, stiffness, and joint dysfunction. This chronic inflammatory response is a defining characteristic of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) and plays a central role in its progression.†

Central Sensitization and Pain Amplification

Chronic inflammation and nociceptive input from the TMJ region can induce central sensitization, a condition in which the central nervous system becomes hyperresponsive to pain stimuli. This altered neural processing results in amplified pain perception, even in the absence of ongoing tissue damage. The heightened sensitivity reinforces emotional stress and muscular tension, further perpetuating the Jaw Tension Cycle.†

The Natural Solution

With research showing that up to 70% of TMJ pain stems from stress and anxiety induced jaw tension, our team recognized a clear need for a solution that targets the root cause — not just the symptoms. Most people turn to over-the-counter painkillers like NSAIDs, which may provide temporary relief but do nothing to interrupt the Jaw Tension Cycle — and carry risks when used long-term, including gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, liver, and kidney complications.

We set out to create a better alternative: a safe, natural supplement for those navigating everyday stress and tension. That’s how TMJ ComfortPlus was born — with plant-based ingredients traditionally used to promote muscle relaxation and well-being — offering a natural alternative without the side effects commonly associated with pharmaceuticals.†

Stop The Cycle Now

TMJ ComfortPlus supports a natural response to the Jaw Tension Cycle by promoting relaxation and helping the body manage everyday stress before it contributes to patterns of ongoing tension and discomfort.†

Start To Disrupt The Cycle Now
†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease.