Facts You Need to Know About Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome

Temporomandibular

The temporomandibular joints are one of the most used joints of the body even though people rarely acknowledge them. This is the joint that connects the skull to the jawbone. Basically, whenever you move your mouth, the temporomandibular joints start working. However, like other parts of the body, this joint is also prone to pains and issues. Here are some of the details about TMJ pain that you should be aware of.

How Does Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome Occur?

TMJ syndrome is characterized by pain in the joints of the jaw. This can be the result of a variety of medical issues. Some of them are as follows.

  • Misalignment of the jaw or the teeth.
  • Grinding teeth.
  • Following poor posture.
  • Arthritis.
  • Injury to the jaw or the teeth.
  • Stress.
  • Chewing gum.

What Are the Symptoms of TMJ syndrome?

Temporomandibular joint is symptomized in a variety of ways. Here are some of them.

  • Clicking and popping of the jaw during movement
  • Pain in the ears
  • Headaches
  • Popping sound felt in the ears
  • Pain in the joints of the jaw
  • Soreness or stiffness of the jaw muscles
  • Locked jaw joint
  • Pain located in the temple region

Facts You Need to Know About Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome

How to Overcome TMJ syndrome?

TMJ syndrome is not a dangerous complication. While it can be debilitating, it is possible to find relief with simple home remedies. Here are some of them:

  • Use NSAIDs
  • Apply ice packs to the area
  • Massage the jaw and neck
  • Indulge in stress reduction processes
  • Avoiding the use of chewing gum

Usually, home remedies should be enough to overcome this pain. However, if they do not work, it is possible to find medical treatments for the syndrome. Prescription medications, dental splints and physical therapy are common medical solutions for TMJ syndrome. The patient can opt for surgery if the condition is quite serious.

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Exercises for TMJ syndrome: If you are experiencing TMJ syndrome, you can give the following exercises a try. You may find relief with them.

Relaxed Jaw Exercise: First, let your tongue rest gently upon the mouth’s top. The tongue should be behind the upper front teeth. You should let your teeth move apart as your jaw muscles relax.

Chin Tucks: Move your shoulders back while putting up your chest. Now, pull the chin back in a straight dimension. It should look as if you have a double chin. Hold this position for 3 seconds. Release and then repeat the movement for 10 times.

Goldfish Exercises: There are two variations of this exercise. The first one involves a partial opening. In this exercise, let your tongue touch the mouth’s roof. Place your finger near the ear over the location of the TMJ. Place another finger on the chin. Let your lower jaw drop halfway before closing. You should experience slight resistance with this movement. However, there shouldn’t be any pain. Perform these movements six times to make a set. You need to perform a total of 6 sets in a day.

The other kind of goldfish exercise is the full opening variation. Repeat the above steps till the placement of the fingers. However, instead of letting your jaw drop only halfway, go all the way. Your jaw should be completely dropped and drawn back. As with the partial variation, this movement must be repeated 6 times to make a set. A total of 6 such sets need to be performed within a day.

There are several other techniques that you can apply. However, these can help you get started. Be that as it may, you should always contact a doctor when you are experiencing TMJ pain for the best treatment.

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