Tongue tension refers to tightness, stiffness, or strain in the muscles of the tongue. It can cause discomfort, restricted tongue movement, speech issues, and other problems. Understanding what tongue tension feels like can help identify it and guide treatment.
Common Causes of Tongue Tension
Some common causes of tongue tension include:
- Bruxism – Clenching or grinding of the teeth puts strain on the tongue muscles.
- Oral habits – Tongue thrusting, tongue pressing, or other repetitive oral habits can create tension.
- Posture – Forward head posture shortens neck muscles connecting to the tongue.
- Stress and anxiety – These increase muscle tension throughout the body, including the tongue.
- Tongue tie – This congenital condition restricts tongue movement.
- Oral restrictions – Missing teeth, ill-fitting dentures, and orthodontics can limit tongue space.
- Sleep apnea – The tongue strains to keep the airway open.
Where Tongue Tension is Felt
Tongue tension can create distinct sensations in different parts of the tongue.
Tip of the Tongue
Tension at the tip of the tongue may feel like:
- Tightness or pulling when trying to lift the tongue tip.
- Aching or fatigue at the tip after extended upward positioning.
- Difficulty moving the tongue tip side to side.
- Impaired articulation of T, D, N, and L sounds.
Sides of the Tongue
Tightness along the edges of the tongue may cause:
- Restricted ability to touch the tongue tip to the corners of the mouth.
- Difficulty moving food around the mouth or swallowing.
- Slurred or distorted S, SH, Z, and TH sounds.
- An indented line along the tongue edge when it tries to broaden.
Back of the Tongue
Strain in the back of the tongue can feel like:
- A pulling sensation when trying to lift the back of the tongue.
- Fatigue or cramping with prolonged elevation against the palate.
- A squeezed sensation when swallowing.
- Gagging or choking when the back of the tongue cannot rise sufficiently.
Underneath the Tongue
Tension affecting the underside of the tongue may include:
- Visible tightness in the thin band of tissue under the tongue.
- Difficulty lifting the tongue or touching it to the roof of the mouth.
- Impaired ability to move the tongue side to side or in circles.
- Speech or swallowing problems due to restricted range of motion.
General Symptoms of Tongue Tension
Along with location-specific sensations, general signs of tongue tension include:
- Aching, soreness, or pain in the tongue muscles.
- Feeling like the tongue is stiff, thick, heavy, or swollen.
- Tongue indentations from pressing against the teeth.
- Tongue biting or injury from uncontrolled motions.
- Speech difficulties such as lisping, slurring, or stuttering.
- Problems chewing, swallowing, or moving food in the mouth.
- Jaw pain or fatigue from overworking to compensate for tongue dysfunction.
- Sleep disturbances or teeth grinding at night.
- Forward head posture or neck tightness.
Assessing Tongue Tension
A myofunctional therapist can perform assessments to identify the presence and degree of tongue tension. Some examples include:
Oral Motor Evaluation
This examines the tongue’s strength, range of motion, and coordination. The patient is asked to stick out the tongue, move it side to side, lift it to the palate, and perform other functional motions. Impaired performance indicates tightness or restricted mobility.
Palpation
The therapist gently feels the tongue tissue for areas of rigidity, thickening, or tightness. Palpation also assesses pain and tenderness that may result from tension.
Speech Evaluation
Listening to the patient’s speech can reveal tension-related articulation problems on T, D, N, S, or other sounds. Certain sounds require more tongue flexibility.
Posture Analysis
Forward head carriage often co-occur with tongue dysfunction. Photos or measurements help document postural contributors to tension.
Imaging
Tools like ultrasound allow visual examination of tongue shape and motion. This reveals restrictions and asymmetry from tension.
Treating Tongue Tension
Addressing any underlying causes is the first step in relieving tongue tension. Additional treatment approaches may include:
- Tongue stretches: Gently stretching tight areas can help release overworked muscle fibers.
- Massage: Kneading and trigger point release encourages muscle relaxation.
- Heat therapy: Warm compresses boost blood flow to tense tissues.
- Tongue exercises: Targeted motions train flexibility and coordination.
- Posture correction: Resolving head and neck positioning takes pressure off the tongue.
- Stress reduction: Relaxation techniques lessen overall muscle tension.
- Appliances: Special orthodontic or oral devices may improve tongue space.
With consistency, these methods can retrain the tongue muscles for proper function and comfort.
When to Seek Help
Work with a myofunctional therapist, speech pathologist, or related professional if tongue tension persists and interferes with speech, eating, or quality of life. They can provide specialized diagnosis and treatment. Seek prompt medical care for severe tongue pain, muscle spasms, or difficulty breathing.
Conclusion
Tongue tension has distinct symptoms depending on the location affected. General signs include restricted mobility, speech impairments, discomfort, and problems chewing or swallowing. Addressing underlying causes and using stretching, massage, exercises, and other therapies can help regain normal tongue function and comfort.
