Can I eat popcorn again? (video below)
An online learner who also came to my massage table for a TMJ massage session asked me:
“Can I get back to eating popcorn? I really enjoy it but when I chew for this long and this aggressively it gives me a lot of fatigue through the jaw and I feel it for a few days.”
Feel free to substitute your favorite crunchy or chew food in lieu of popcorn in this blog post. I’ve see a lot of clients improve with their jaw opening width and chewing stamina after massage with me, or self-massage at home. Perpetuating factors are also important to address. Keep reading, or watch the video posted below.
Alignment when eating
It is important to pay attention to neck and jaw alignment when eating, especially when eating on the couch or at a coffee table. In these environments we are usually slouched and rotated so we can look at the TV or another person. We want to respect the anatomy of the neck, TMJs, muscles and teeth so those areas don’t get damaged. This chewing compensation can also result in some muscles becoming over developed resulting in trigger points and further pain and movement dysfunction.
Know how to safely perform self-massage
If you have regular jaw pain you may need to do self-massage before your popcorn eating event. You may even need to do self-massage the next day. In my online courses at Help Head Pain I’ll teach you how to treat many of the muscles influencing the neck & jaw, including intraoral massage.
Watch to my interview with Rebecca, a previous client of mine. She describes how she integrated self-massage and how that increased her chewing stamina from 2 plain nacho chips to an entire plate of loaded nachos.
Addressing the jaw muscles can also improve a dental occlusion for many people. That means the teeth fit together better resulting in more efficient chewing of food.
Consider timing
You might not want to work your jaw with lots of chewing, depending on your recovery from jaw dysfunction, after a big emotional talk, an emotional presentation at work, or if you know you are going into that the next day.
Can your body & digestive system handle popcorn?
Consider if popcorn, or any corn product, is an inflammatory food on your body and gut. That inflammatory effect can show up as musculoskeletal pain or headaches.
Microwave popcorn has more chemicals and additives that could create more inflammation. Instead make your popcorn on the stove or with an air popper to stay away from processed oils. You can also choose organic instead of GMO (genetically modified) popcorn.
This video is for informational purposes only. You should not rely on it for a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.