The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is located at the base of the skull. TMJ allows the jaw movement specially required for chewing and talking. It helps in the joint movement for both up, down and side to side as well. TMJ is recognized as the complex joint of the body. This joint mainly connects the temporal bone which is the upper jaw and is attached to the skull and the mandible bone that is the lower jaw. TMJ is like a sliding hinge and links the jawbone to your skull. TMJ disorder can cause pain in the jaw joint and also in the muscles that control the overall jaw movement.
TMJ disorder is mainly temporary and can be managed with self-care. There are some normal symptoms of TMJ disorder which include:
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw area
- Pain in one or both of the Temporomandibular Joints
- An aching pain in and around your ear
- Popping sound in the ear may occur
- Headache
- Stiffness or soreness of the jaw muscles
The patient may also suffer from the locking of the joint. They may face it difficult to open and close mouth.
Side Effects of TMJ Disorder
The side effects of having TMJ disorder include:
- TMJ disorder can increase the various types of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis and the osteoarthritis.
- One of the side effects of TMJ disorder is that it can also affect the facial movements.
- The patient with TMJ disorder may also face some problems at the time of chewing and talking.
- TMJ disorder can also have a side effect of causing pain in the ear.
- It can also cause headache.
There are some connective tissue diseases which may increase due to TMJ disorder.
The patient may feel some discomfort due to TMJ disorder. The normal facial movements are restricted due to this condition. The specialist may advise you to use a mouth-guard in order to avoid the clenching or grinding the teeth.
What Causes the TMJ Disorder?
There are many causes for which one suffers from the TMJ disorder. They are as follows:
Injury: Some previous physical injury may cause the TMJ disorder.
Arthritis: arthritis may also the reason for TMJ disorder.
Grinding Teeth: if a patient has a problem of grinding or clenching the teeth during sleep. It puts a lot of pressure on the joint and this can cause TMJ disorder.
Dental Surgery: dental surgery is another reason for TMJ disorder.
Infection: TMJ disorder can also occur due to the infection.
Stress: stress is the main issue for many health problems. It can cause tightening of the facial and jaw muscle or clenching of the teeth. When the problem continues for a long time, it can lead to TMJ disorder.
Home Remedies for TMJ Disorder
There are some home remedies for TMJ disorder which the patient can use to get rid of the condition. These home remedies can give relief from the pain and discomfort of TMJ disorder.
Moist Heat as a Home Remedy for TMJ Disorder: Moist heat is an excellent home remedy to reduce the pain associated with TMJ disorder. One can use the heat pack or hot water bottle wrapped in a warm and moist towel. A patient should be careful at the time of applying moist heat as overheat can be the reason for burning.
Ice Pack: Ice packs is yet another simple and effective home remedy to reduce the pain and decrease the inflammation. It can also heal the painful area too. Do not use ice packs directly on the skin.
Avoid Solid Food: A patient suffering from TMJ disorder should avoid the solid food diet. Instead of this, the patient can use the semi-solid or soft food diet. The patient needs to avoid crunchy and chewy foods as well.
Jaw Exercises to Treat TMJ Disorder: Jaw exercises can give some relief and reduce the pain. Slow and gentle jaw exercises can help in improving the jaw movement. A Physiotherapist can help the patient to solve the problem by showing good exercises in order to improve the jaw movements.
Side Sleeping: Side sleeping decreases the pain and discomfort experienced in TMJ disorder. The patient should sleep on one side using pillow support between shoulder and neck to get the benefits.
Relaxation Techniques: Some relaxation techniques can also be a useful home remedy to reduce the TMJ disorder. Relaxation can be achieved through proper yoga, massage, muscle relaxation techniques and it can also offer peace to the mind. It reduces the stress as well.
Brush the Teeth Carefully: The patient with TMJ syndrome should be careful at the time of brushing. Excessive brushing can cause pressure on the jaw muscle. So try to brush with a gentle motion.
Chewing: The patient should avoid chewing. It can also create pressure on the jaw muscle.
The jaw exercises can give some relief in case of TMJ disorder. It can reduce the pain in the jaw line. A physiotherapist can show the proper exercises. TMJ problem may get worse with time if not treated properly. So, the patient has to take some major steps to control it. Pain and tenderness, especially in the jaw area, creates the major discomfort in this problem. Some restrictions and home remedies are enough to control such problems. In case the home remedies don’t help in improving the condition, one must not delay in consulting with a doctor. Stress reduction is very important to handle TMJ disorder effectively.
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