TMJ Disorders

Do you have painful TMJ or jaw issues?

If you suffer from TMJ problems you probably feel pain at the joint where your jaw connects with your skull (the temporomandibular joint), or you might hear a ‘popping’ or ‘clicking’ sound when opening or closing your jaw. For the most rapid treatment you might consider seeing a TMJ specialist in Austin.  At Clear Point Wellness, we’ve had great success helping clients eliminate painful jaw symptoms from TMJ disorders.

What is the TMJ

Your temporomandibular joint is located below the temples and in front of the ears.  You use your TMJ whenever you talk or eat — making this joint quite important for a normal life.

*Source: National Institutes of Health

What causes TMJ problems?

The causes of jaw disorders are unique to each individual.  Stress can lead to pain due to jaw clenching or teeth grinding during sleep.  TMJ pain may also be caused by injury, e.g. a blow to the jaw or face.  Or sometimes the cartilage in the joint can erode or move out of place, creating pain.

Professional treatment for TMJ pain

Chiropractors specialize in the integration of muscles, nerves and bones and can often address jaw disorders with fine adjustments to the muscles and bones that make up the mandibular (jaw) system.  These specialists may also suggest facial/jaw stretches and exercises that relax the joints over time.

Massage therapists who specialize in head, neck and shoulder massage or that use trigger point therapy can also be effective at eliminating jaw pain.

Dentists sometimes treat patients who complain of TMJ problems – they may discover that a person’s bite has shifted in some way, impacting the movement of the jaw and causing pain.

Self-Care Tips

You may be able to reduce TMJ problems by trying some of these home remedies:

• Try to eat softer foods for a time such as soups, juices, rice, etc.
• Avoid hard or chewy foods such as nuts or beef jerky
• Try to reduce your stress levels with yoga, qi gong, or meditation exercises
• Apply cool compresses to your TMJ joint to reduce inflammation
• If needed, take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medicine such as ibuprofen

Online resources

The Mayo Clinic:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tmj-disorders/DS00355

The TMJ Association:

http://www.tmj.org

National Institutes of Health:

http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/TMJ/TMJDisorders.htm