People living with TMJ often suffer from jaw pain and headaches that make life miserable, yet these symptoms are manageable with proper management strategies.
Physical therapists may recommend in addition to jaw exercises, acupuncture or specific massage techniques to reduce pain and tension in the jaw. Furthermore, they encourage patients to eat soft foods which require less muscle movement for digestion.
How to Cure TMJ Permanently
Long-term management strategies
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction can result in jaw, ear and neck pain as well as headaches. Misalignment of jaw joints; improper fitting teeth (including those who do not fit together as intended); teeth grinding (bruxism); and stress all may contribute to TMJ issues.
TMJ symptoms can be eased by taking steps to modify aggravating habits like chewing gum, clenching teeth, biting nails or leaning on the chin. Utilizing an ice pack for swelling reduction and following a diet rich in easy-to-chew foods along with refraining from wide jaw movements like singing or yelling can also provide significant relief from symptoms of TMJ disorder.
Acupuncture and massage therapy are effective ways of managing chronic TMJ pain. Sleeping on your side with a pillow support between shoulder and neck may also ease strain on TMJ muscles and improve posture, while meditation and yoga can reduce stress – an aggravator of TMJ symptoms. Injections of glucocorticoids or anti-inflammatory drugs may also be used as therapies against TMJ issues.
Self-managed care
If your TMJ symptoms are mild, self-managed care can often suffice. At-home treatments might include applying heat or cold to reduce pain, practicing relaxation techniques and adhering to a soft diet in order to protect the jaw joint from strain. Furthermore, any harmful habits like teeth clenching and chewing gum use should also be eliminated as should leaning on your chin during sleeping hours.
Alternate methods of treatment include acupuncture and massages designed to strengthen muscles. Acupuncture may help relax the facial and neck muscles while massage can increase blood circulation to your temporomandibular joint reducing inflammation and pain.
Medication may also help manage TMJ pain, including over-the-counter drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and tricyclic antidepressants. These can help decrease inflammation response in your body while aiding sleep better – often one of the causes for TMJ discomfort.
In certain instances, your doctor may suggest injecting corticosteroids directly into the jaw joint; alternatively they may recommend arthroscopy/arthrocentesis to clean and clear away debris that can cause irritation in your joint space and alleviate TMJ discomfort.
Medications
At times, medications may help alleviate TMJ symptoms and ease their associated discomfort. Over-the-counter medicines like Acetaminophen (commonly referred to as Tylenol) can reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort in the jaw area.
Acupuncture can also be an effective treatment option for TMJ, employing needles placed directly into the affected area to relieve tension and block pain signals from reaching the brain. TENS is another solution which uses low voltage electrical currents to stimulate nerves in the area and relieve pain.
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction occurs when your lower jaw muscles and bones (known as the Temporomandibular Joint, or TMJ), are not aligned correctly or in sync, resulting in pain, swelling, or movement issues in your face.
Although TMJ can be irreversible disorder, treatment at home may help. First step would be addressing habits like teeth clenching/grinding; leaning on chin; biting fingernails etc and shifting your posture; finally switching your diet in order to reduce pressure exerted onto TMJ.
Surgery
Pain relievers, avoiding teeth grinding/clenching, sleeping on one’s side, eating soft foods and physical therapy may provide temporary relief; however, for severe or persistent symptoms more specialized treatment may be required.
In certain instances, an arthrocentesis procedure (pronounced ar-thro-CENTE-see-sis) may be performed to clear debris and reduce inflammation within the temporomandibular joint. Corticosteroids or botulinum toxin type A injections can also provide temporary pain relief.
While your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is responsible for smooth mouth movement, it may become a source of discomfort for many people.
Common causes for TMJ pain and discomfort include improper oral habits like teeth grinding and clenching, accidents or injuries to jaw, wear and tear due to age, stress or wear and tear caused by age – which may lead to mild to excruciating pain and difficulty opening your mouth – it should never be ignored as TMJ could become irreversible over time.
What Are Some Exercises That Can Help With Tmj Pain
TMJ (Temporomandibular joint) disorder can be quite painful, but there are several exercises that can help alleviate the symptoms. Here are some exercises that may help you relieve TMJ pain:
- Relaxed jaw exercise: This involves relaxing your jaw and placing the tip of your tongue behind your upper front teeth. Then, slowly opening your mouth as wide as you can without feeling pain. Hold this position for a few seconds before closing your mouth. Repeat this exercise several times a day.
- Goldfish exercises (partial opening): This involves placing your tongue on the roof of your mouth and one finger in front of your ear where your TMJ is located. Then, drop your lower jaw halfway and move your finger to your chin. Hold this position for a few seconds before closing your mouth. Repeat this exercise several times a day.
- Goldfish exercises (full opening): This involves placing your tongue on the roof of your mouth and one finger in front of your ear where your TMJ is located. Then, drop your lower jaw completely and move your finger to your chin. Hold this position for a few seconds before closing your mouth. Repeat this exercise several times a day.
- Chin tucks: This involves standing up straight and pulling your chin straight back, creating a double chin. Hold this position for a few seconds before relaxing your jaw. Repeat this exercise several times a day.
- Resist mouth-closing: This involves placing your thumbs under your chin and your index fingers between your mouth’s ridge and the bottom of your chin. Then, gently place a downward pressure on your chin as you close your mouth. Repeat this exercise several times a day.
- Resist mouth-opening: This involves placing your thumbs under your chin and your index fingers on the ridge of your chin. Then, gently place an upward pressure on your chin as you open your mouth. Repeat this exercise several times a day.
When doing TMJ exercises, start slowly. You may feel some pain at first, but it should be tolerable and gradually improve. If the pain isn’t tolerable, consult your doctor. You should do TMJ exercises when you’re relaxed. It’s important to note that if you’re experiencing TMJ pain and symptoms, it’s best to seek medical help from a professional.
What Are Some Bad Habits That Can Worsen Tmj Symptoms
There are several bad habits that can worsen TMJ (Temporomandibular joint) symptoms. Here are some of them:
– Using your teeth as tools
– Nervous chewing
– Taking big bites
– Poor posture
– Sleeping on your stomach
– Teeth grinding
– Chewing gum
– Biting your nails
– Eating hard or sticky foods
These habits can irritate your jaw and lead to symptom flare-ups. It’s important to avoid these habits to prevent worsening of TMJ symptoms. Additionally, reducing stress, applying hot or cold compress, and doing TMJ exercises can help alleviate TMJ pain.
If you’re experiencing TMJ pain and symptoms, it’s best to seek medical help from a professional. The best type of doctor to treat TMJ disorder is a dentist or an oral surgeon.
