My TMJ dentist put me on some muscle relaxants because my jaw has been locking up recently. At first the locking was just bad in the AM, and then it progressed to be, well, pretty much bad all the time. I haven’t seen much progress from the meds yet, but I’ve only been taking them for a day.

I’ve discovered something interesting, though, for when you can’t open your mouth very wide, that I thought I’d share.

It’s not very pleasant to eat when your jaw is locked up. It’s so mechanically difficult that the food doesn’t taste good. And, actually, I think the act of chewing releases endorphins, which I’m missing out on without having the full range of motion in my jaw.

I had this realization today at lunch while I was gobbling down a salad from Harried & Hungry. I normally really love their Southwest Salad, but today it took so much concentration to just get the food in and down that I couldn’t enjoy it (or the copy of the Stranger that I’d picked up to read).

The meds should kick in, in the next day or so. So I’m not worried, but until then I’m sticking with non-chew-required foods. Like ice cream.