Pain from Temporomandibular joint disorder, otherwise known as TMJ pain, is uncomfortable and distressing. This post will walk you through practical tips and strategies to cope with TMJ pain.
Understanding TMJ Disorder
The temporomandibular joint is a hinge connecting your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull, located in front of each ear. This flexibility allows the jaw to move smoothly up and down and side to side, enabling us to talk, chew, and yawn. Chronic pain in this joint is referred to as TMJ disorder. Reports from the Bend Headache Center reveal that TMJ pain can adversely impact life quality, making daily tasks such as eating and talking debilitating.
Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
Discomfort and Pain
The most reported symptom is a nagging pain in the jaw area. It can be either sharp and sudden or a chronic, dull ache, typically escalating with jaw movement.
Restricted Jaw Motion
You may struggle to fully open your mouth due to discomfort or rigidity in the joint restricting movement.
Noise When Moving the Jaw
Sounds like clicking, grating, or popping when you move your jaw aren’t abnormal. It’s only a concern if these sounds accompany pain.
Methods to Alleviate TMJ Pain
Maintain Good Posture
Consider how your posture affects your jaw. Sitting upright and maintaining good posture minimizes the strain on muscles and joints, lessening TMJ pain.
Jaw Exercises
Gentle jaw exercises improve joint mobility and promote healing.
– Chin tucks
– Pull your chin straight back as if you’re creating a double chin.
– Hold for three seconds and repeat ten times.
– Open-mouth stretch
– Open your mouth wide then touch the roof with your tongue.
– Maintain this position for 5 seconds and repeat it ten times.
Reduce Stress
Reducing stress can dramatically decrease TMJ pain as tension amplifies muscle tightness around the jaw. Strategies like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can serve in restraining stress levels.
Avoid Hard Foods
Crunchy or hard foods exert pressure on the jaw, aggravating TMJ pain. So, enjoy soft food like fish, cooked vegetables, or yogurts until pain subsides.
Do you suffer from chronic TMJ pain? No need to despair. Visit Bend Headache Center for a non-surgical, drug-free solution. At Bend Headache Center, we approach jaw joint disorders with oral appliance therapy, lessening the stress on jaw joints and offering comfort. The guidance above provides practical coping strategies to help manage your TMJ pain better. , it is essential to consult a professional for advice and treatment.
