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What can I do About TMJ Pain?

Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is a medical term used to refer to inflammation of one or both joints that connect the mandible, or jaw, to the skull. The condition is characterized by pain, specifically referred to as TMJ pain. Symptoms may be acute or chronic and may hinder the ability to speak, chew food, make facial expressions, or even breathe. In addition, TMJ pain and inflammation often migrates to other areas that may serve as trigger points, such as teeth, underlying connective tissue, and nerves. For this reason, TMJ is often associated with a larger scope of disorders known as myofascial pain syndrome.

TMJ can be caused by a variety of oral behaviors. For instance, constant gum chewing or nail biting can repeatedly thrust the jaw too far forward or sideways. Poor speech patterns, or neglecting to see a dentist regularly may also be to blame. In addition, the temporomandibular joint is susceptible to disorders that affect other joints in the body, such as arthritis. However, the most common cause of TMJ is bruxism, a condition that involves habitual clenching of the jaw and/or grinding of teeth.

Nail biting can lead to TMJ pain.
Nail biting can lead to TMJ pain.

Whatever the cause, the pain can be constant and severe. Pain may not only be felt about the jaw and face, but may extend to the ears as well. Fortunately, the best way to relieve the pain is to cease the behavior that created it. Of course, this may not apply to TMJ pain associated with misalignment or injury to the jaw. However, even in those cases, there are still several self-care options.

A person with TMJ.
A person with TMJ.

Applying moist heat to the affected area is helpful for many people. Alternatively, holding an ice pack to the area may help to reduce inflammation. Consuming soft foods and avoiding stretching the mouth during flare-ups will permit the jaw to rest in its natural position. Relaxation techniques can also help to reduce TMJ pain associated with bruxism. A simple exercise along this line is to practice gently blowing air between slightly parted lips, being careful not to allow the upper and lower teeth to come together.

An ice pack can help with TMJ pain.
An ice pack can help with TMJ pain.

At times, taking over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be necessary to quickly reduce inflammation and pain. These non-prescription medications include aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or nortriptyline, have also been used to successfully manage TMJ pain. However, these medications must be prescribed by a physician and may produce unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness.

Anti-inflammatory medications are used to relieve pain.
Anti-inflammatory medications are used to relieve pain.

In extreme cases, implant replacement of the joint(s) of the jaw may be warranted. However, be aware that experiencing pain alone is not usually a decisive factor for having this procedure done. In fact, it is usually reserved for those who have undergone extensive trauma or injury to the jaw.

It should also be noted that there is no regulatory authority or certification that governs the treatment of TMJ disorders. In short, this means that neither the American Dental Association (ADA) nor the American Medical Association (AMA) acknowledges the treatment of TMJ disorders as a specialty in either dentistry or medicine. Obviously, this can make locating a qualified practitioner difficult. However, the best course of action is to consult a dentist and discuss a referral to a practitioner experienced in musculoskeletal and myofascial disorders.

Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Contributing articles to WiseGEEK is just one of Karyn’s many professional endeavors. She is also a magazine writer and columnist, mainly for health-related publications, as well as the author of four books. Karyn lives in New York’s Catskill Mountain region and specializes in topics about green living and botanical medicine.

Learn more...
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Contributing articles to WiseGEEK is just one of Karyn’s many professional endeavors. She is also a magazine writer and columnist, mainly for health-related publications, as well as the author of four books. Karyn lives in New York’s Catskill Mountain region and specializes in topics about green living and botanical medicine.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

istria

@ Fiorite- My TMJ treatment consists of meditation and acupuncture. I have acupuncture treatments about once a week, and I try to meditate every night before I go to bed. Neither my health insurance nor my dental insurance wants to pay for me to see a physical therapist for my TMJ pain treatment so I opted for the acupuncturist.

The meditation is only for relaxation and stress relief so you can try to do anything that clears your mind of your daily stresses. I have also noticed that I tend to sleep better and clench less when I am sleeping in a comfortable bed. You may want to try buying a new mattress. It is about the same cost of a mouth guard, but you will get more for your money.

Babalaas

@ Fiorite- I feel your pain. I have TMJ neck pain, and my jaw hinges all of the time. I can't eat foods that require me to take big bites because the left side of my jaw can get stuck open. When this happens, I have to force my mouth closed, causing my jaw to make a painful pop.

One thing that I have found that works well is a combination of physical therapy and Tai Chi. I try to do Tai Chi or meditate every morning so that I enter my day relaxed.

When I am having a flare-up, I do lateral deviation exercises as well as extending and protracting exercises. These exercises help relieve the pain and strengthen the jaw. I hope this helps you.

Fiorite

I have TMJ jaw pain that has been well diagnosed by both doctors’ and dentists, but there is little that they have been able to do for me. Some days I get headaches that are almost as severe as migraines. I also have pain in my ear and during a bad flare up, the pain shoots down my neck. Does anyone else out there have any advice for what I can do? My dentists said my TMJ is caused by grinding my teeth and the way that my jaws align. They align too flat, and I habitually clench in my sleep or when I my stress levels are high.

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    • Nail biting can lead to TMJ pain.
      By: Monkey Business
      Nail biting can lead to TMJ pain.
    • A person with TMJ.
      By: sakura
      A person with TMJ.
    • An ice pack can help with TMJ pain.
      By: Kimberly Reinick
      An ice pack can help with TMJ pain.
    • Anti-inflammatory medications are used to relieve pain.
      By: guysagne
      Anti-inflammatory medications are used to relieve pain.
    • TMJ can cause mouth and ear pain.
      By: 9nong
      TMJ can cause mouth and ear pain.