Zoe Ball has bravely opened up about her battle with an “awful” health issue, after she announced her departure from her early morning BBC breakfast show.
The mum-of-two, 54, told her 738k Instagram followers of her struggles with pain due to a condition known as TMJ, the Mirror reports. Zoe shared: “I have TMJ and wake most days with awful headaches from tension and jaw clenching. So grateful to Helen @sculptresslondon for her magic. This is my face after I’ve seen her, check out my face before – yikes – picture 2.”
She went on to say: “Can’t recommend her enough. She also has the greatest playlists. Thank you H and to @just._.tiff for the intro.” Zoe expressed her gratitude with praying hands and a red heart emoji.
Zoe’s revelation struck a chord with many fans, with one commenting: “God, I need this.” Another shared their own experience, noting additional symptoms: “Along with acid reflux and the headaches. Wondering if anyone else has TMJ and acid reflux, the two can be linked.”
Zoe also mentioned: “Also having microsuction on the old ears at the weekend (in the good old days ear syringing was free on the NHS, now they won’t do – so £60 to have wax removed)This can also be common with those who have TMJ. Just interested to know if others have these conditions.”
The radio host responded to her thoughtful follower, expressing her intrigue and saying: “That’s fascinating. I don’t have reflux but do have earache. I’ll check out the microsuction, thanks.”
A few of her famous friends chimed in with their thoughts. Julia Bradbury commented: “So magical to find people like this in our lives” and Stacey Dooley adding a warm: “Stunz.”
It is known that Botox can aid in easing tension around the face and jaw and can prevent natural clenching. Temporomandibular disorder is a condition “affecting the movement of the jaw. It’s not usually serious and generally gets better on its own”, according to the NHS. Stress is known to worsen the condition that can result in pain around your ear, jaw and temple, with eating softer foods being advised.
Recently, Zoe stated that it was time to bid farewell from her demanding role as host of the BBC Radio 2 breakfast show after six years to devote more time to her family.
In an emotional farewell during her Tuesday, November 19, morning show, Zoe shared: “Ok you lovely bunch, I have some news. After six years of fun times alongside you all on the Breakfast Show, I’ve decided it’s time to step away from the early alarm call and focus on family.”
“You know I think the world of you all listeners, and it truly has been such a privilege to share the mornings with you, to go through life’s little ups and downs, we got through the lockdown together, didn’t we? We’ve shared a hell of a lot, the good times, the tough times, there’s been a lot of laughter. And I am going to miss you cats. I’m going to miss my amazing Prod Squad who I adore. Already missing Mike, I’m going to miss Tina and Richie. They’ve all become like family to me, like you lot. But I won’t miss the 4am alarm call, if I’m completely honest.”
Zoe has had a challenging year after taking a break from her programme in the summer following the death of her mother Julie Peckham, who was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer at the start of the year.
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