Jaw Soreness with Straw Work? Here’s What Your Voice Might Be Telling You

Short answer?

It’s not uncommon, and it’s usually a cue to adjust, not a sign that straw work is bad for you.

Now, quick note before we go any further… 

I’m not a doctor, and TMJ can be a bit of a can of worms. 

Everyone’s situation is different. 

So this isn’t medical advice… 

It's guidance from a vocal training perspective, based on what I see with singers all the time.

Okay. 

Let’s talk about what’s actually happening.

If your jaw feels sore after straw work, here’s the most common reason:

Nine times out of ten, jaw soreness during or after straw phonation comes down to clenching.

Not big, obvious clenching.

More like subtle, sneaky clenching.

The kind you don’t even realize you’re doing.

Straw work asks your system to respond to resistance. 

And if you’re someone who already carries tension in the jaw, especially if you have TMJ, your body might try to “help” by gripping.

That grip adds up.

And that’s what creates the soreness.

The goal here is not stretching your jaw wider or forcing it open.

It’s relaxation. 

Release. 

Letting things hang.

What I want the jaw to feel like during straw work

Think loose.
Think heavy.
Think “I’m not doing anything extra.”

I usually tell singers to imagine there’s a little bit of space between the molars (not exaggerated, not dropped open) just enough that the jaw feels like it’s hanging instead of being held.

A couple of really practical things that help:

• Let your cheeks puff out while you’re blowing into the straw

• Hold the straw with your fingers, instead of trying to keep it in place with your lips or jaw

• Check in every so often and ask, “Am I gripping right now?”

If you are? 

Totally fine. 

Just reset and keep going.

Straw phonation itself doesn’t cause TMJ. 

In fact, for many singers, it can actually be helpful. 

But if clenching sneaks in, that can fatigue the jaw pretty quickly.

There’s also a nervous system piece here

And this part matters more than people think.

TMJ can be influenced by stress and nervous system regulation. 

When your system is a little revved up (mentally or emotionally) clenching is way more likely to show up.

That might look like:

• Overthinking the exercise

• Worrying about whether you’re doing it “right”

• Getting stuck in mental loops like “I’m bad at this” or “I have to work harder”

When your body feels like it’s in problem-solving mode, tension follows.

So before you even pick up the straw, it can help to:

• Take a few slow breaths

• Ground yourself

• Remind yourself this isn’t about effort… it’s about ease

Straw work should feel almost underwhelming when it’s done well.

So… is jaw soreness a red flag?

Not usually.

It’s information.

It’s your body saying, “Hey, something’s tightening here.”

That’s your cue to slow down, soften, and reduce effort: not to push through or quit entirely.

If you stay mindful of jaw release, gentle airflow, and overall relaxation, straw phonation can still be a really supportive tool… even if you’re prone to TMJ.

And if something ever feels sharp, painful, or persistent? 

That’s when it’s worth pausing and checking in with a medical professional who understands TMJ specifically.

Your voice doesn’t need more force.

It usually just needs a little more permission to let go.