Understanding TMJ Disorder: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

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Is Jaw Pain Ruining Your Day? Here’s What Could Be Going On

If biting into something crunchy makes your jaw click or ache, you might have TMJ disorder (also called Temporomandibular Joint Pain Disorder). It’s frustrating! Along with jaw pain, you might also have:

• Headaches around your temples
• Neck stiffness
• Healthy teeth (your dentist can’t find the problem)

The Root of the Problem (For Most People)

Often, TMJ pain comes from clenching or grinding your teeth, especially at night. You might not even realize you’re doing it! It can take years before the pain hits. Sometimes, old injuries or arthritis can also cause TMJ issues.

Can You Fix TMJ Disorder?

Yes, there are ways to ease the pain! Studies show that focusing on the muscles involved in chewing can help. [1] The main chewing muscles are:

• Lateral Pterygoid Muscle
• Medial Pterygoid Muscle
• Masseter Muscle
• Temporalis Muscle

Unlike gym muscles, you want these to relax instead of getting stronger.

Why TMJ Disorder Muscles Get So Tight

• Everyday Chewing: It’s a workout in itself!
• Stress: Clenching your jaw is an unconscious reaction to feeling overwhelmed.
• Nighttime Clenching/Grinding: This overworks the muscles while you sleep.

Alleviating Tension Headaches: Effective Remedies for Relief

Simple Self-Treatment: Acupressure

Acupressure points can help release tension in your jaw muscles. Here’s how:

• Find each acupressure point mentioned in the article.
• Gently press and hold for 30 seconds to a minute.

#1 TW 21: Triple Warmer 21 To Treat TMJ Disorder

• Just in front of the top of the ear.
• There is a slight depression here. The point is above the ear canal.
• Push until you feel a deep ache or electrical feeling for 30 seconds to one minute.

Core Exercises: 7 Essential Exercises for Preventing Back Pain

#2 SI 19 Small Intestine 19 To Treat TMJ Disorder

• With mouth slightly open look for the depression just in front of the ear canal. (Just in front of the tragus for those who are experts in anatomy)
• Push until you feel a deep ache or electrical feeling for 30 seconds to one minute.

#3GB 2 Gall Bladder 2

• Just in front of the bottom of the ear.
• Open and close your mouth you should feel depressed when you open your mouth.
• Push until you feel a deep ache or electrical feeling for 30 seconds to one minute.

#4 ST6 Stomach 6

• Slide your finger down the back of your jawbone until you get to the corner.
• Place your finger on the muscle just in front of the corner of the jaw bone.
• Push until you feel a deep ache or electrical feeling for 30 seconds to one minute.

If you are still having TMJ Disorder it’s time to get professional help. You should find a chiropractor that works on the TMJ regularly.

Tell us what you think in the comments below and like us on Facebook. This Toronto Downtown Chiropractor will answer all questions in the comments section.

 Reference

1.  Kalamir A, Bonello R, Graham P et al. Intraoral myofascial therapy for chronic myogenous temporomandibular disorder:  A randomized controlled trial Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics 2012; 35: 26-37.

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