Currently, around 10 million people in the United States are affected by TMJ disorder, also known as temporomandibular joint disorder. This painful condition can cause severe discomfort and restricted jaw movement, making it difficult to perform even the simplest daily tasks such as chewing and speaking. If you’ve been diagnosed with TMJ disorder, don’t worry – there are numerous treatment options available to help you cope with the symptoms and get back to healthy, pain-free living. In this article, we’ll take you through Tyler’s top TMJ treatment options and look at how they could help you make a sincere goodbye to jaw pain.
TMJ Exercises
Just as you might exercise to help manage pain in other parts of your body, physical and manual therapies can be an effective way to manage the discomfort caused by TMJ disorder. The most commonly recommended TMJ exercise is the “retraction exercise”, which involves gently pulling your jaw backwards with your index finger. This movement helps to reduce muscle tension and improve the range of motion in your jaw.
In addition to retraction exercises, it’s also beneficial to practice other relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation. These approaches can help to relieve stress and tension in the jaw area, which can help improve the symptoms of TMJ disorder.
Therapeutic Massage
Another popular treatment option for TMJ disorder is therapeutic massage. This type of massage is used to relax the muscles in the area around the jaw, as well as to reduce tension and promote long-term healing. Therapeutic massage is generally performed by a licensed professional, and may use techniques such as acupressure, deep-tissue, and even lymphatic drainage massage to help relieve pain and improve mobility in the jaw.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been used as a treatment for TMJ disorder for centuries, and is still a popular option today. This ancient Chinese medicine involves inserting thin needles into the skin in specific points of the body, in order to redirect the flow of energy throughout the body and promote natural healing. Acupuncture can help to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and increase range of motion in the jaw, making it a great option for those who are dealing with the discomfort of TMJ disorder.
Medications and Pain Relievers
If physical and manual therapies aren’t effective for you, then medications and pain relievers may be an option. Commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of TMJ disorder include ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen sodium. These over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, improving your overall comfort while you heal from the condition.
In some cases, muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed by a doctor to help alleviate severe pain and muscle spasms associated with TMJ disorder. However, it’s important to remember that taking prescription drugs for an extended period can have negative side effects, so it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor before using them to treat your condition.
Orthodontic Treatment
In some instances, TMJ disorder can be caused by malocclusion, or a misalignment of the teeth. If this is the case for you, then orthodontic treatment may offer the best long-term solution. Orthodontic treatment involves the use of braces or other corrective devices to correct the alignment of the teeth and prevent muscle tension and joint pain.
If orthodontic treatment is recommended by your dentist, then it’s important to follow the recommended course of treatment in order to ensure the best results. Once your teeth are properly aligned, you’ll find that the symptoms of TMJ disorder will diminish, and you’ll be able to enjoy a life free of jaw pain.
Lifestyle Changes
Of course, sometimes the best treatment for TMJ disorder involves making some small lifestyle changes. For instance, if you like to chew gum, then you should try to reduce this activity, as it can exacerbate the symptoms of TMJ disorder. Avoiding hard and crunchy foods, such as nuts and raw vegetables, can also help you prevent pain and discomfort in the jaw.
Furthermore, be sure to take breaks from activities that require you to open and close your mouth for prolonged periods, such as talking on the phone or playing a musical instrument. Taking frequent breaks can help to reduce muscle tension, preventing the symptoms of TMJ disorder from flaring up. Finally, keeping your posture and overall muscle tone in the neck and shoulders in good condition can help to improve jaw mobility and reduce the likelihood of developing TMJ disorder.
Conclusion
If you’re living with the discomfort of TMJ disorder, you should take comfort in the fact that there are numerous treatment options available to help you manage your symptoms and find relief. Whether it’s through physical and manual therapies such as exercise and massage, alternative medicine therapies such as acupuncture, or more invasive treatments such as orthodontic or medical treatment, there’s something out there that can help you make a sincere goodbye to jaw pain. We hope that Tyler’s top TMJ treatment options have provided you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your treatment, and that you’ll soon be on your way to a healthy, pain-free lifestyle.