Is teeth clenching making my PCS worse?
 

Hi all, I was diagnosed with my 5th concussion around a month ago. I've had 2 subsequent bumps in the week after that have made my symptoms worse, but now I'm realizing that I've been clenching my teeth and often clench my teeth during sleep and during the day as well. The teeth clenching causes my headaches to start again and to worsen. How do I stop clenching my teeth? Is it possible that some teeth clenching causes another mini concussion because there is so much force from the jaw? Also any general advice on headache treatment for PCS would be helpful. Do you guys recommend resting or should I be trying to get on with my normal life?

A dentist can make a nice mouth guard to help your clenched teeth....as if your doing this it causes much harm to your teeth..

The clenching (holding tension) of any muscles can affect the blood flow limiting the flow of oxygen and nutrients into those areas. Causing headaches & neck aches most likely..

Clenching will not give a concussion..it could make previous symptoms worse.

I would try to find some ways to address the clenching, like a mouth guard, relaxation techniques, awareness so you stop as soon as you notice it..
There could be emotional tension going on that needs to be looked into, or it has just become a habit to break...

Thanks Jo*Mar. I was trying to relax my jaw and it spasmed quickly and my jaw pressed down pretty fast. It felt like my head jolted a bit. Is it possible that I was just reconcussed? Or am I crazy? It's just aggravating the pcs right?

You did not reconsuss by clenching or jolting your head. Neck injuries can trigger clenching. Some anti-depressants can also cause clenching. I have a history of clenching. OUCH. I take 600 mgs of gabapentin before bed and it helps me not clench. I never could tolerate a mouth guard.

There are a few sensory stimulations that can contribute to clenching by making it difficult to relax. I need to have comfortable sleep clothes (cotton for me). Anything you can do to reduce sensory stimulations can help.

It also will help to get help with any anxiety struggles you are having. Anxiety is a BIG contributor to clenching.

Concussed,

This isn't very scientific. I let my tongue get inbetween my teeth, I certainly didn't clamp down on that.

My jaw has relaxed considerably now and that trick is no longer necessary.

Bud