Are you a live-for-moment, adrenaline-loving person looking to enjoy all the activities and adventures Athens has to offer, but are held back by the constant nagging of jaw pain? You’ll want to take care of your TMJ (temporomandibular joint) first before you start tackling outdoor and extreme activities. If you’re ready to enjoy life without TMJ pain, then read on to learn how to do just that.
Facts About TMJ Pain
If you’re unfamiliar with TMJ pain, it’s a condition that occurs when there’s a problem with the connections between the jaw and muscles that hold the jaw together. TMJ pain can cause what many people describe as an irritating, persistent, and sometimes severe aching in the area just in front of your ear. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and may even manifest as such frustrating issues as jaw clicking or popping. If this sounds familiar, you could be dealing with TMJ pain.
Adventures in Athens
With its impressive antiquities, cafes, street markets, and beaches, Athens is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for adventure in Europe. Whether you’re keen to hit the town and party or head off into the stunning Greek countryside for some trekking and climbing, the city offers an abundance of diverse activities to enjoy.
Unfortunately, having TMJ pain can make partaking in such activities more difficult and frustrating. For example, if you plan to do something that might make your jaw pain worse, it could limit your ability to fully experience the events you’re participating in. And in many cases, the thought of dealing with that pain makes many people not want to put in the effort to try in the first place.
Relief for TMJ Pain
No matter if you’re a resident of Greece or just visiting for a vacation, getting some relief for TMJ pain is an important step to being able to enjoy everything life has to offer. Here are some tips for finding relief for TMJ pain.
Eating and Drinking Changes
You may be unknowingly increasing your TMJ pain by drinking excessive coffee, soda, and energy drinks, as well as by eating foods that frequently increase jaw movement and contribute to TMJ pain. Try reducing your intake of these items and replacing them with pro-inflammatory foods and nutritious drinks like green tea.
Physical Therapy and Exercises
Many people have found relief from TMJ pain through physical therapy and specific jaw- and neck-strengthening exercises. The key is to make sure you’re doing the exercises correctly and retaining the instructions from a medical professional to avoid exacerbating your pain.
Medical Treatments
If other methods don’t seem to do the trick, it may be worth considering more advanced medical treatments for TMJ relief. This can include drug therapy (prescription or over-the-counter medications), dental or orthodontic procedures, and injection therapy. If worst comes to worst, more invasive treatments such as surgical procedures can be attempted.
Athens is an incredible experience that can be enjoyed without being tied to nagging jaw pain. Your first stop should be at a medical professional to help diagnose the cause of your TMJ pain and recommendations for next steps, and then you can get back to living life to the fullest. Enjoy your Athens adventures, and remember—no pain no gain!