7 Tips To Relieve Tmj Pain

By Author: Monica Quinn
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TMJ disorder affects the joint that connects the mouth and skull, the temporomandibular joint, which is located close to the ear. For many people, the first indicator of a TMJ condition (or TMJ) is a popping or clicking sound when they move their jaw.

A TMJ specialist can quickly diagnose whether the joint is the source of the pain. TMJ pain is sometimes confused for neck pain or an earache; search “TMJ treatment near me
” to get your pain diagnosed and treated.

Here are a few of the most common signs:
- Bruxism is the grinding of one's teeth, pain while chewing;
- Jaw cracking, popping, and clicking;
- Facial swelling;
- Morning headaches;
- Neuronal inflammation.

TMJ symptoms such as dizziness and headaches can be treated with special pain relief exercises; however, it is best to consult a TMJ therapist before attempting any therapy activity.

What Causes TMJ Disorders?
There are several reasons why you could develop TMJ. The most common is teeth clenching or grinding during sleep. As a ...
... result, your jaw muscles and joints may become painful, and your upper and lower teeth may no longer fit together correctly. Clenching your teeth as a stress reaction can cause TMJ; hence, the two illnesses are usually related.

While the majority of TMJ symptoms resolve within a few weeks to months, some painful issues can be exacerbated by unhealthy habits or behaviors that place unnecessary tension on the jaw and neck muscles.

Best Practices for TMJ Pain Relief
TMJ pain can be relieved using nonsurgical treatments in minor situations. Here are eight effective TMJ pain remedies that can help you manage symptoms and reduce discomfort without surgery.

1. Keep your jaw in its resting position
Reduce wide jaw motions such as chewing, yawning, singing, and yelling to relieve TMJ symptoms. Try to keep your muscles as calm as possible;

2. Adjust your posture
If you sit in an uncomfortable position for an extended time, your jaw discomfort may worsen. Take frequent breaks while working, and choose a chair with back support to improve your posture. Set your seat as upright as possible while driving, and if you're doing something relaxing like watching TV or reading, choose a location where you can sit upright and place a pillow behind your back for support.

3. Improve your posture when standing or sitting
To strengthen your back muscles, raise your chest, bring your shoulders back, and lightly compress your shoulder blades.

4. Sleep soundly at night
Sleep is essential for many aspects of maintaining good health. Sleep on your back, with your neck supported by pillows, to alleviate TMJ pain. Avoid sleeping on your stomach and, if necessary, avoid placing your hand on your jaw when lying on your side.

5. Apply a compress - hot or cold
Heat and ice help alleviate pain and swelling, and heat can also help relax your jaw muscles. Put a thin layer of skin between the compress and the hot or cold compress you're using to treat your jaw, then apply it for 15 to 20 minutes each time.

6. Exercise your jaw
Jaw exercises allow your joints to move more freely. There are three different jaw exercises that can be combined to relieve pain:
- Stretching activities;
- Exercises to build muscle;
- Exercises for relaxing;
- Avoid certain activities and foods;
- Certain activities and meals may cause you to forcefully open your mouth or shift your jaw.

7. Avoid the following at all cost
- Sighing or yelling;
- Hard or crunch foods;
- Taking large gulp of food;
- Foods that require a lot of chewing;
- Gum chewing.

The bottom line
If you have pain, a scraping or snapping sound, or, in severe cases, a lockjaw, you should seek medical attention. You should consult a TMJ expert at a respected pain clinic to learn about TMJ causes and treatment options.

Greetings, my name is Monica. I graduated from New York Medical College and work as a nurse in Queens Hospital at the moment. The thing I love the most is morning jogging, because it is a wonderful way to keep myself in tonus. I like to communicate with people who care about their health. I became a vegetarian five years ago. Now my daily menu consists mainly of vegetables, fruits and different cheeses. I am a member of water polo team and I love gardening. I like to see how huge flowers grow out of the tiny petal, it dazzles me because I love spending my time outdoors. My goal is to visit all the USA parks, and then all over the world)