The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. When this joint is damaged, it can result in a pain disorder called temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD).
TMD often results in severe discomfort and pain. It either is a temporary or a chronic pain that can affect either one or both sides of your face. The risk factors that contribute to TMJ disorder increase your chances of facial injuries, a misaligned bite, and bruxism amongst other risk factors. In some cases, you may stop experiencing the symptoms of TMD. However, if your symptoms persist, your doctor would recommend you various TMJ treatment options.
Why Consider TMJ Treatment?
Here are 5 reasons why you should consider TMJ Treatment to put your pain at rest.
1. Get Rid of Chronic Pain
You don’t need to suffer anymore with chronic pain. Whether it is pain in your jaw, ears or neck, and even chronic migraines, TMJ treatment will alleviate the pain help you live a better life. This means better work efficiency since you no longer need to deal with the pain.
2. Reduce Stiffness in the Jaws
A stiff jaw can make it difficult for you to eat your favorite food. It also makes it difficult for you to get the essential nutrients you require to thrive. Even the simplest of acts like talking and yawning can be absolute torture. TMJ treatment will allow you to enjoy even the most involuntary processes of opening the mouth once again.
3. Relieve Vision Problems
TMJ vision problems may seem like the strangest thing. Your TMJ is connected to nearly everything in your head, neck, and face. TMJ treatments treat the unrevealed cause of vision problems. This alleviates the pain for a long time and improves your vision that aids in carrying out daily activities safely.
4. Get Rid of Clicking and Popping
Opening the mouth too wide when eating or yawning and problems in temporomandibular joints can result in the clicking and popping of the jaw. It can impact your social life and blow out your confidence as a result. The right alignment of the jaws will get rid of the disturbing clicking and popping and restore your confidence.
5. A Good Night’s Sleep
If TMJ disorder is costing you a good night’s sleep, you’re definitely not giving your best shot at completing the day’s tasks. Getting a sound sleep is vital in being more productive.
Options for TMJ Treatment
1. Medication
TMJ disorders can be treated with the help of painkillers depending on the seriousness of the condition. However, it doesn’t stop the condition from worsening, and your doctor may recommend different treatment options.
2. TMJ Exercises
TMJ exercises are great for relieving pain as they take as little as 10 minutes and you can choose to do it at any time of the day. TMJ exercises help in improving the movement of your jaw joints. Jaw exercises are also instrumental in improving your posture. Poor posture can add unnecessary pressure to your face and head that can worsen the disorder.
Here are three simple exercises that allow you to perform them anywhere:
- Relaxed Jaw Muscle
Allow your tongue to rest on top of your mouth, just behind your upper front teeth. Let your teeth be apart while relaxing your jaw muscles. - Chin Tuck
Keep your shoulders and chest up, while pulling your chin straight back, creating a “double chin”. Hold for 3 seconds each time and repeat exercise 10 times. - Side-to-side Jaw Movement
Place ¼ of a tongue depressor between your front teeth. Slowly move your jaw from one side to the other. As you get accustomed to this exercise, stack a few more tongue depressors on your tongue and repeat the exercise.
Recovering from TMJ pain may require you to make some changes to your diet. Sticking to soft foods and avoiding sticky or chewy foods should be your priority. Soups and drinkable meals are the perfect picks that will give your jaw some time to heal. If you’re looking for a TMJ specialist in Goodyear, AZ, book an appointment with us today to get a step closer to a healthier jaw.