Tmj Syndrome

By Author: Chester Ku-Lea
Total Articles: 40
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There are an estimated 10 million Americans suffering from temporary madibular joint syndrome (TMJ). This is a condition in which the temporomandibular joint does not function as it is supposed to. This joint is the one that connects the bone that forms the side of the skull with the mandible or the jawbone. TMJ produces pain in the muscles and joints of the jaw.

The pain can be so severe as to affect the face, neck and shoulders as well. At times, there may also be difficulty in opening the mouth fully, and there can be grinding, popping and licking noises especially while chewing. Further symptoms include headaches, toothaches, feelings of pain and pressure behind the eyes, pain and ringing in the ears, dizziness and difficulty opening and closing the jaw.

The jaw is part of an intricate web of nerves and muscles. Chewing and the force it entails, as well as gritting or clenching the teeth can result in a host of difficulties including pressure and pain in the facial region. Cartillage around the area is there to cushion the joint, however this cartilage disk may come displaced. It can also begin to ...
... wear out. When this happens the bones of the temporomandicular joint begin to rub together, instead of smoothly gliding across each other as they are meant to do. Sometimes it can be a mialingment of the jaw and teeth, something your dentist should be able to check for, which can prevent a smooth functioning of the joint.

The most common causes of TMJ are stress and a poor bite, as well as the chronic clenching and grinding of the teeth at night. TMJ has also been associated with bad posture, bad habits such as cradling the telephone between the should and jaw, and or repeated blows to the jaw area or chin. TMJ may also result from whiplash.

Poor dental work can aggravate the problem as can gum chewing, thumb sucking, or chewing only or predominantly on one side of the mouth. Having low-blood sugar can also be correlated to jaw joint problems because people suffering an attack of low-blood sugar tend to clench their teeth.

A physician may use an x-ray to diagnose TMJ. Once diagnosed diet along side other medical options can help reduce the symptoms of this disorder. Calcium and magnesium are essential as they aid in the proper functioning of muscles and they have a calming effect. Vitamin B complex is an anti-stress vitamin and as such can also help prevent clenching and grinding of the teeth. Vitamin C likewise combats stress and helps to heal the connective tissue.

Caffeine should be cut out of the diet if you have been diagnosed with TMJ as it can increase levels of tension and stress. Alcoholic beverages are likewise associated with too-grinding during the night and should therefore be avoided. Staying to a healthy diet and exercise program will help reduce stress and therefore go a long way to improving symptoms. These strategies should be used in tandem with any other medical treatments recommended by your health care practitioner.
Chester Ku-Lea is a health nutrition consultant and is the owner of AstroNutrition.com - a provider of premium health nutrition and sports supplements. Check out our blog at AstroNutrition.com/blog.