Lately I have a couple patients who suffer from TMJ disorders. And that inspired me to make this article. So today I would like to talk about what TMJ Disorders are, and some home remedies that can help to relieve the pain.
Before we dive into TMJ disorders, first we need to know what TMJ is. TMJ is the abbreviation for temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. It allows movement of your jaw so you can speak, eat and drink.
TMJ disorders refer to a group of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in this joint. happen when the TMJ or the surrounding muscles are injured or imbalanced. TMJ disorders are believed to be due to a combination of factors, including muscle imbalance, teeth grinding, and arthritis.
Some common symptoms of TMJ disorders include:
- Jaw pain especially worse on palpation or movements of the joint like chewing
- Popping or clicking sounds when moving the jaw
- Limited range of movement of jaw, or the Locking of the Jaw (Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth)
- Headaches
- Ear discomfort
- Neck pain and sometimes shoulder pain
TMJ disorders can be painful and cause a lot of discomfort. And it really affect our daily lives, think how often we need to use our TMJ. We need it for speaking, we need it for eating and drinking, we need it when brushing our teeth, and so on. Imagine every time we open our mouths we feel an intense pain, that is no good.
Fortunately, there are a number of TMJ home remedies that can help to reduce pain and improve jaw function. I would like to share with them below.
1) Avoid Certain Activities
Some activities could cause you to move your jaw or open your mouth in an undesirable way for TMJ disorders. Try to avoid the below for the time being:
Avoid Hard and Chewy Foods
Another TMJ home remedy is to avoid hard and chewy foods. These foods can put strain on the jaw and make TMJ symptoms worse. Instead, opt for soft foods that are easy to chew.
Avoid Chewing Gum
Avoid Teeth Grinding
You should also avoid clenching or grinding your teeth. If you find yourself doing this, try to consciously relax your jaw muscles.
Avoid Opening Mouth Too Much While Yawning
2) Self-Massage
One simple TMJ home remedy is to massage the muscles around the jaw. This can help to relax the muscles and reduce pain. Below is a video about TMJ Self-Massages
3) Heat
4) Exercises and Stretching
Exercises and Stretching can help to increase the mobility of the TMJ.
Video: COMING SOON – 2 Oct 2022, 8am PST
5) Relaxation Techniques
TMJ home remedies can go a long way in reducing pain and improving jaw function.
Treatment for TMJ disorders often includes a combination of self-care measures and medical therapy. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. If you think you may have a TMJ disorder, it is important to see your doctor for an evaluation.