If you are suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), you are not alone. In the United States alone, 10 million people suffer from it. Some think it is pain they must learn to deal with while others find some relief from self-care. What are the symptoms of TMJ, and how should they be handled? Are there any natural ways to care for this condition?

Is it TMJ?

TMJ comes from the temporomandibular joint that connects the lower jaw to the head and allows people to make facial expressions, chew, and talk. The symptoms are:

  • Pain that comes from the jaw area, neck, or face
  • A grating, clicking, or popping sound that happens with jaw movement
  • The top and bottom teeth do not line up properly (not because of orthodontic problems)
  • Jaw muscles that become stiff
  • Inability to move the jaw easily

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and TMJ download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

At-Home Remedies for TMJ

Some suggestions to ease the pain of TMJ when it flares up are:

  • Cut back on stress: Jaw pain has been linked to stress. Employing stress-relieving techniques may help with pain.
  • Do some stretching: Gently stretching the jaw can restore the ability to move the jaw better.
  • Eat soft foods: This allows time for the jaw to recover.
  • Limit wide jaw movements: Avoid singing and similar activities for some time.
  • Ice it: Use an ice pack covered with a towel to reduce swelling.

Seek Professional Help for TMJ

Here at our Cedar Park, Texas office, we help our TMJ patients cope with their pain by addressing what may be the root cause: a misalignment in the upper bones of the neck. If the atlas or axis (the top two bones of the spine) are out of place by just ¼ of a millimeter, they can be placing pressure on the brainstem, causing it to send improper signals. This can lead to jaw and facial pain. We use a gentle method to correct this problem and often see positive results in our patients.

 

To schedule a complimentary consultation call our Cedar Park, TX office at 512-572-3976 You can also click the button below.

If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.