Temporomandibular joint, better known as TMJ, refers to a join located in front of the ear. TMJ disorders cause pain in and around the jaw. If you are plagued by TMJ disorders, consider one or all of the following non-surgical treatment options to help alleviate your symptoms.
1. Decrease the Stress Levels in Your Life
One of the contributing factors to TMJ disorders is high levels of stress. When you get stressed, your body, including your jaw, may get tense. This results in a muscle pain around the jaw area.
Reducing stress helps alleviate overall tension throughout your body. If you find it difficult to reduce your stress level through lifestyle changes, you can take steps to better manage your stress levels. Exercise, therapy, and acupuncture may all be used to successfully change how your body responds to stress.
Many suffers of TMJ disorders find that meditation and yoga help decrease their pain. Through repetitive breathing and paying attention to their bodies, patients are able to consciously un-clench the muscles in their jaws.
2. Wear a Mouth Piece
Your dentist can fit you with a mouth piece that fits over your teeth. It is believed that the mouth piece helps position the jaw in a manner that helps relieve pain. If you decide to use a mouth piece, your dentist can advise you when and how often to wear it. Most mouth pieces are only worn for a portion of the day.
If you grind your teeth, your dentist may fit you with an appliance to wear at night that discourages the grinding. Grinding your teeth is another activity that stresses the jaw muscles.
3. Avoid Aggravating Behaviors
Certain behaviors may aggravate the muscles around your jaw. Try not to lean on your chin, as this creates a position that promotes jaw pain. Avoid biting your fingernails. The position of the jaw during this activity can aggravate the jaw muscles as well. Don't chew ice or gum, as the repetitive motion associated with these activities can increase your pain levels.
4. Stay Away from Hard Foods
When your TMJ disorder symptoms act up, stay away from hard foods. Instead, adopt a diet of soft foods until you can get your pain levels under control. Items to stay away from include nuts, corn on the cob, chips, and whole fruits. Cut fruit up into bite size pieces so that chewing is not as stressful to the jaw.
Pain associated with TMJ disorder can interfere with your quality of life. Implement one of these non-surgical options to better mange your symptoms from TMJ disorder. For more information, contact local professionals likeWebster John B DDS.
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