Temporom And Ibular Joint Syndrome
Author: michaelrussell
Author: michaelrussell
Five pairs of muscles and the temporomandibular joint that connects the upper and lower jaws allow you to open and close your mouth and control the forward, backward, and side to side movements of the lower jaw. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, bones, and joints from working together may result in the pain and other problems known as TMJ syndrome. The jaw joint can become misaligned from a variety of causes teeth that don't fit together properly due to genetics, orthodontia, or tooth grinding (bruxism); habits like cradling the phone between the ear and shoulder; or injuries like whiplash or a blow to the jaw. Stress plays a major role, too, and people often experience their first TMJ discomfort during stressful times.
According to Ronald Wismer, D.M.D., former president of the Washington County Dental Association in Oregon, nearly half the patients in his Beaverton, Oregon, practice have misaligned jaw joints, but only half of those experience any symptoms. In some cases, he says, conservative home care can alleviate the pain and discomfort. In others, professional help is important. The following are some tips for coping with your TMJ disorder. If the conservative treatments described here don't give you relief, seek help from a dentist, preferably one who is a TMJ specialist.
Massage Those Jaws : Ken Waddell, D.M.D., a TMJ specialist in Tigard, Oregon, recommends conservative treatment first. "Muscle spasms cause pain," he says. "To relax the muscles, try massaging the jaw joint just in front of the ears."
Heat it up : Heat is an excellent muscle relaxant, says Wismer. Use a hot pad or hot-water bottle to ease aching jaw, neck, and shoulder muscles. Keep the heat low enough not to cause burns.
Cool it Down : Ice packs are also excellent for relieving pain, says Waddell.
Take Over The Counter Pain Relievers : Wismer says that over the counter products like aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen can relieve pain in the muscles. Aspirin and ibuprofen can also help bring down inflammation.
Teach an Old Dog New Tricks : Become aware of and eliminate habits such as resting your head on your hand, cradling the phone between your shoulder and cheek, or clenching your teeth that tend to stress the jaw joint.
Relax : "Stress is a major player in TMJ problems," says Waddell. Gregg R. Morris, D.C., a chiropractor in private practice in Beaverton, Oregon, who has worked with TMJ patients for more than ten years, agrees, "Stress can create a cycle of muscle tension and pain that needs to be broken." Both Waddell and Morris recommend relaxation techniques, such as progressive relaxation, in which you consciously relax muscles starting with the head and working down the body to the feet. and slowly open your eyes. You may find that you feel amazingly relaxed and refreshed from this "mental vacation." If neither of these works for you, find something that does help you relax when you feel tense.
About the Author:
Michael Russell writes for
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