TMJ connects the mandible (the lower part of the jaw) to the skull’s temporal bone. Every TMJ chiropractor knows for a fact that these joints in front of each ear allow us to chew our food, talk, and yawn. For this reason, they advise the utmost care for the jaw joints.
TMJ disorders are due to problems with the ligaments and muscles that move the jaw. It can be caused by issues with the cartilage disc within each joint or issues within the joints. TMJD is a general term used to describe a collection of different disorders that can distress the jaw. The joints and muscles of your jaw are one of the trickiest parts of the whole body. Since these components contain a significant number of nerve endings, they can cause an immense pain level.
Symptoms are associated with TMJD. It is due to how nerve pathways run and the jaw joints’ proximity to other neck and head structures. Numerous individuals with TMJ disorder frequently suffer from these symptoms:
Neck pain
Earaches
Headaches
Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears
Aches or discomforts around the jaw joints and face
Clicking or popping in the jaw when chewing, talking, or yawning
Bruxism or grinding of the teeth
Locking of the jaw
Sleep difficulties
There are things you can do on your own for TMJ Disorder Remedies. Your doctor may suggest you try some of these remedies together.
Most of people may not notice that they may cause a considerable problem when small and regular habits add up. It can happen without us noticing it. Watch out for some of these habits that can contribute to your TMJ dysfunction and pain. These activities can indeed stress the jaws and its muscles.
Holding the phone in-between your jaw and shoulder
Biting your nails
Constantly chewing gum
Eating hard to digest food
Yawning too long and hard
Reducing your stress can help relieve TMJ pain. There is a link between TMJ disorders and stress. Therefore, coping with stress through meditation, practicing yoga, and breathing techniques will alleviate TMJ pain. Other ways include finding the time to relax and wind down after a long day, may consist of taking a warm bath, reading, listening to soothing music, or doing a hobby that makes you happy.
When you gently move your jaw within its natural range of motion, it can train the muscles to work correctly. So you can start doing this at least once a day. It won’t take two minutes of your time to do so.
Open and close your mouth slowly, and do this at least eight times. Then shift your mouth and lower jaw from left to right slowly. Do this without forcing any movements. Do this at least four times.
Also, poor neck alignment and bad posture can contribute to issues with the jaw. It is because the topmost bone in the neck, your atlas vertebra, sits very near your jaw joints on either side of the face.
The atlas vertebra is unique for two reasons. First, it supports the weight of the head. Second, it is the most highly flexible segment of the spine, which allows the head various directions of motion. If the atlas shifts from its correct alignment, it will impact normal jaw movement and positioning. Also, it will cause excess pressure and tension in the muscles of the jaw and face. As a result, it can lead to TMJ disorders.
