Manage Your TMJ Pain With these 4 Tips

TMJ pain, or temporomandibular joint disorder, refers to any pain in the jaw or facial muscles, or even the ears and neck due to abnormal functioning of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). TMJ pain can be severe enough to disrupt your ability to work and lead a normal life. Fortunately, there are several methods of treatment that can help you manage TMJ pain so that you can go about your business as usual. Here are four of the best tips from a TMJ specialist in Albuquerque to help manage TMJ pain.

Don’t Tense Your Jaw:

The first step toward minimizing your pain is minimizing jaw tension. You can do so by making sure that you aren’t clamping your teeth or clenching your jaw when you’re not trying to. Relax and let your jaw fall open until it rests comfortably on its own, and then think about keeping it there for as much of your day as possible. If you tend to clench your jaw while sleeping, try using a night guard; they keep your teeth from grinding together at night and will help minimize damage to your TMJ.

Practice Good Posture:

According to a TMJ specialist in Albuquerque, the muscles of your jaw, face and head can all be strained or stressed by improper posture. The effects can lead to a wide range of conditions, including jaw pain (TMJ). When you sit at a computer all day or drive for long periods, you are likely causing strain on your body. Properly aligning your head and neck while sitting or standing will allow you to relieve some of that stress and help you maintain a healthy body.

Refrain From Using Chewing Gums:

Chewing gums are no less than pain in a packet for those suffering from TMJ. You may want to chew gum as it helps in keeping you alert and fresh all day, but you should refrain from using chewing gums if you suffer from sleep apnea and/or suffer from migraine or headache as most of these disorders get aggravated by chewing gum. A TMJ dentist in Albuquerque suggests not to use bubble gum as it is full of sugar and can be quite hard on your jaw muscles.

Try Acupressure:

This alternative treatment uses pressure points, or acupressure points, on your face and head to help alleviate tension. These pressure points are similar to those used in acupuncture. As with acupuncture, acupressure can be done by a practitioner, but you can also do it yourself. This at-home treatment is easy and will give you temporary relief from TMJ pain as well as help heal some of your symptoms.

TMD or TMJ pain may be embarrassing and difficult to manage, but don’t let it get the best of you! If you’re experiencing symptoms such as jaw pain, clicking sounds when opening or closing your mouth, or difficulty chewing, it would be ideal to opt for TMJ treatment in Albuquerque from an expert.

How to Tell if You Have TMJ? Lookout for these 5 Signs

Temporomandibular joint disorder, commonly referred to as TMJ, can affect one or both of the lower jaw joints. It can cause pain in your mouth and jaw region, including difficulty chewing and opening your mouth fully. If you have certain symptoms of TMJ, it’s time to see a TMJ specialist in Albuquerque to find out if you have this common but often overlooked condition. Here are five signs that you might have TMJ.

Tense Jaw:

If you have to hold your jaw in an uncomfortable position while talking, chewing or yawning, you might have temporomandibular joint disorder. This condition affects many people and is caused by misalignment of your jawbone. Try wearing a mouth guard at night or avoiding triggers such as stress, caffeine and cigarette smoke. These habits can aggravate your symptoms.

Stiff Neck:

Do you wake up with a stiff neck and shoulder pain? Does it get better after moving around for a few minutes, but then return throughout your day? If so, you might have temporomandibular joint disorder. Although, it’s important to note that in some cases, waking up with a stiff neck can be caused by other conditions as well. See a TMJ specialist in Albuquerque just to be sure.

Grinding Your Teeth:

If you find yourself grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw for no apparent reason, you may be suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder. Your temporomandibular joint connects your lower jaw to your skull and is used for chewing. If it becomes inflamed or gets out of alignment, you’ll have pain and dysfunction in your jaw joints.

Vertigo:

One of the most common symptoms of TMJ, vertigo is characterized by a sense of dizziness. While it can be related to ear problems, vertigo is often associated with jaw issues, especially in those who clench or grind their teeth. If you notice yourself feeling dizzy even when you’re stationary (especially after eating or while chewing gum) this could be a sign that you have TMJ. If symptoms persist and worsen, visit your dentist to discuss about the TMJ treatment in Albuquerque.

Headaches:

Pain on either side of your head is a common symptom of TMJ. The constant grinding and clenching of teeth can cause both jaw pain and headaches. If you’re experiencing headaches, ask your dentist if it could be a result of TMJ or another dental issue. He or she will examine your jaw joints and your mouth for any abnormalities that may be causing your pain.

Although you might experience occasional jaw pain from clenching your teeth or from an injury to your face, TMJ often goes undiagnosed because its symptoms are easy to confuse with those of other disorders. If you think you might have TMJ, consult your TMJ dentist in Albuquerque right away to determine the severity of the problem and discuss possible treatment options.