The basic definition of TMJ
TMJ is the abbreviation of temporo mandibular joint, which many patients say they have when they have jaw pain. TMJ pain is at the junction of your jaw and skull, a disorder that is related to your joints the connection spot becomes painful and swollen.
This disorder may cause a clicking sound and sensation when you are opening or closing your mouth, or pain and you feel limitation when you move your jaw
All of these may be TMJ symptoms
The symptoms may differ from person to person, there are different causes, and every person may have different signs. There are some typical problem, and these are common with all sufferers. As these ailments can result in joint problems, it is better to consult a specialist.
Here are some common symptoms of TMJ:
- Pain and aching in your jaws
- You may feel pain in one or both temporomandibular joints
- If there is pain around your ear. It may include one side or both.
- If you feel a problem in chewing or feeling pain while you eat
- Pain on your face
- Your joints are locked, and you feel difficulty in opening your mouth.
- You may feel clicking or cracking of your jaw joint.
Causes of TMJ
With sliding motions, the temporomandibular joint combines a hinge action. Cartilage covers the parts of bones that are connected to joints. A small shock-absorbing disk separates these bones. These disks are beneficial for keeping your movement smooth.
There may be a painful TMJ disorder if:
- The proper alignment is eroded, and disks move out of the way.
- Arthritis wrecks the joints cartilage.
- A blow or other factor damages the joint
Some risk factors play a role in developing TMJ disorder. These factors include:
- Different forms of arthritis
- Injury in your jaw
- Chronic grinding of teeth
- Specific connective organs problems that may lead to the temporomandibular joint
Various treatments available in our office:
- Chiropractic may help reducing tension and dysfunction of the jaw and spine. As chiropractors treat cervical spinal misalignments and jaw alignment, ultimately, the pressure on different nerves is removed. As a result, it alleviates the stress associated with TMJ.
- Acupuncture and/or dry needling may help to reduce the muscle spasms, pain and swelling.
- Class 4 Laser can help the joint heal faster, reducing muscle spasms and pain.
At Naturally Right Chiropractic we seek to determine the underlying causes of your condition starting with the consultation, examination as well as xrays as medically necessary. Although typically the site of the pain is also the source, this is not always the case. It is easy to find pain at the site and determine that this is the cause while in reality there could be many other causes, including believe it or not, small intestine, gallbladder and stomach. The upper cervical spine (neck), jaw, and head meet in one spot where the misalignment of any one can cause pain or disfunction to the rest.
Exercises:
Method 1: Muscle Relaxation Exercise – Jaw Lift
Put your hand against your chin to block the force of the lower jaw
Slowly open mouth to the max (no exertion)
Hold for 5 seconds, then slowly shut your mouth
Repeat 5 times.
You should do this exercise at your free time to get the expected results.
Method 2: Muscle Relaxation Exercise – Put The Jaw To The Sides
Put your left hand on the left side to prevent left lower jaw.
Put the lower jaw to the left as far as you can (no exertion)
Hold for 5 seconds, then bring the lower jaw back to its normal position.
Do the same for the above steps with the right side.
Repeat 5 times. Break 30 seconds for each time.
You should do this method whenever you have free time.
Method 3: Active Joints Exercise In The Interest Position
Shut your mouth and teeth on each jaw touch lightly.
Make your tongue touch the inside of the upper incisor
Bring the tip of the tongue to the soft tongue (above the upper jaw) and keep the tongue in this position.
Move your lower jaw down slowly so that your lips are still touching, while the tongue touches the soft tongue.
Hold for 5 seconds, then slowly shut your mouth
Repeat this method for 5 minutes, twice a day (morning after waking up and evening before going to bed).
Method 4: Home Remedies For TMJ By Practicing Jaw Fold Exercise
Put your shoulders back and chest straight up
Put your chin straight up then down to the neck, forming a double chin
Hold for three seconds and repeat 10 times
Method 5: Relax The Combined Muscles
Deep breathe. To practice deep breathing, sit comfortably with your feet flat on the floor. Breathe through the nose and abdomen and allow the mouth to widen when inhaled, and then exhale through the mouth, gently pushing hands into the abdomen.
Relaxing muscles. This involves relaxing a variety of muscles. First stretch a muscle group, such as a leg or arm, by tightening the muscles and then relaxing them. Then do it with other muscle groups.
Imagine that you are lying on the beach. Beautiful blue-sky picture, salty smell, hear the sound of waves, and feel the warm wind on the skin. Your brain will get when experiencing the sensations, helping to relax.
Breathe slowly, relax and slowly open your mouth (no exertion) then place your hands on your lower jaw to help close your mouth.
Method 6: Home Remedies For TMJ Using Massage Exercises
Use the index finger or the thumb to move to the position of the temples.
Rub from the temporal lobe down to the outside of the ear and rub it under the chin.
You can carry out this method by hand only or may be combined with other drugs during the massage. This method works to increase blood circulation, reduce swelling, relieve pain and bring comfort.
Method 7: Stretching Face Exercises
Stretching face exercise is a very good method for TMJ treatment. It helps jaw stretching, helps jaw muscle get less pressure from the outside, which can restore and elastic better.
Place the index finger at the top of the eye, the thumb at the edge of the mouth.
Slowly stretch the facial muscles (not exertion) so that the facial muscles are pulled out to the maximum.
Then slowly open your mouth. Hold for 30 seconds and slowly close your mouth.
Note that after each method, you should take a break from 4 to 5 minutes so that the jaw muscle can be recovered. During the exercise, you must pay particular attention to your breathing and relaxation. Breathe well, rhythmically and relax muscles.
Treatment of TMJ
Though you may need to go for a chiropractic improvement, there are different treatments to reduce your symptoms
- Applying moist heat/cold pack to eliminate the muscle spasm and to reduce pain.
- Medicines your MD may recommend include muscle relaxants, aspirin, anti inflammatory drugs and instant pain-relieving drugs.
- You may wear a night guard or splint for a reduction in clenching and grinding. These night guards fit your mouth. It keeps away both jaws to avoid rubbing.
- TENS is a low-level electrical current to relax your joints. It may provide you relief.
- Low-level laser therapy in our office
- If angry or grievances causing serious jaw pain, you may need to think about dealing with emotional and behavioral causes. Use stress management exercises such as meditation or strict exercise regimen. Use therapies to treat problems such as anxiety, anger, or stress.
- Change diet: Avoid hard foods and foods that need to open your mouth, including nuts, hard candy, hard baked foods, fruits and vegetables that are as big as whole apples, raw carrots… You should also avoid chewing gum and candy.
- Change sleep style. If you usually lie on one side while you sleep and have jaw pain, you may need to lie on your back to relieve pressure on the jaw.
- Avoid caffeine and stimulants. Try drinking decaffeinated coffee or tea, or herbal tea to relax in the evening. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol in the evening for a better night and less grinding teeth.
