TMJ Pain Relief - 2 Tips to Immediately Manage Your TMJ

TMJ (or temporomandibular joint disorder). TMJ can cause intense pain as the cartilage in the lower jaw becomes displaced and leads to intense pressure on the nerves. For some, TMJ can become so debilitating, only baby food can be tolerated. For others, who have found TMJ pain relief, the symptoms of the disease are almost non-existent. So how can you find TMJ pain relief? Below are 2 tips to help.

One aspect in finding TMJ pain relief, is changing your diet. One thing you can try is to add more magnesium to your diet. Magnesium deficiency has been linked to TMJ as well as a host of other diseases, including fibromyalgia and insomnia. If you're looking for TMJ pain relief this could be one of the first things you try. While magnesium is one root cause there are at least 50 well known foods which could lead to immediate TMJ pain relief.

Another method of TMJ relief is to manage the spasms you get. When you feel a spasm coming on, immediately place a warm wash cloth on the point of pain. While this is not a cure for TMJ, you will find immediate relief from the TMJ pain.

If you know where to look, there are plenty of other tips out there to find out the foods you should never eat, foods you could eat to immediately soothe your pain as well as exercises which could help you cure your TMJ over time. TMJ does not have to be debilitating. It can be managed and you can live a normal life.

Are There Remedies That Can Alleviate Degenerative Osteoarthritis Symptoms?

Degenerative osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease is the most common form of arthritis. Here we have accumulated osteoarthritis statistics compiled by various health agencies to help provide a better understanding of how disabling the condition can become and of the importance of early intervention through the use of nutritional supplementation, weight maintenance and regular exercise.

According to the osteoarthritis statistics compiled by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 46 million Americans report being told that they have degenerative osteoarthritis or other conditions affecting the health of the joints. Nearly 19 million adults are disabled because of degenerative osteoarthritis and more than half of all people over the age of 55 have it to some degree. Many think of it as an inevitable part of aging.

Degenerative osteoarthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States. The American Arthritis foundation reports that 21 million Americans suffer from degenerative osteoarthritis. Higher figures compiled by the CDC include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, fibromyalgia and other joint disorders.

In addition to osteoarthritis statistics, other figures are relevant. 15.4 million American adults are unable or find it very difficult to walk a quarter of a mile. This number is fairly close to the number of people who are disabled by degenerative osteoarthritis.

At one time, it was common for people to reduce their physical activity because of pain in the weight bearing joints (knees and hips), but most health care professionals now recommend that regular physical activity can reduce stiffness and pain. Avoiding high impact sports that put additional stress on the joints is still recommended.

64.7 million American adults are obese, according to figures compiled by the US Department of Health and Human Services. That's nearly one-third of the total population. Another 72 million are overweight. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of many chronic diseases, including degenerative osteoarthritis. Experts maintain that even a modest weight loss can reduce the pain and improve mobility, particularly in the knees and hips.

Researchers have compiled estimates concerning future rheumatoid and osteoarthritis statistics. The number of American adults who suffer from the all forms of degenerative osteoarthritis and other chronic conditions involving the joints is expected to increase to 67 million by the year 2030, because adults are living longer and the number of people in older age groups is growing.

Other osteoarthritis statistics concern cost of treatment, which is approximately $128 billion per year. This figure too may increase, if Americans do not begin to follow recommendations from the CDC and other health agencies. Lose weight, eat right and get regular exercise. In addition, increased intake of omega 3 fatty acids may prevent or reduce the degradation of the cartilage cushions found in degenerative osteoarthritis.

Research has shown that omega 3 fatty acids are natural anti-inflammatories and appear to block the processes that lead to thinning cartilage. If the research is correct, then maybe the osteoarthritis statistics will not increase after all. It may be possible that developing age-related degenerative osteoarthritis is not inevitable after all.

According to the University of Maryland's Medical website:

"Based on laboratory studies....many researchers suggest that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids (and low in omega-6 fatty acids) may benefit people with other inflammatory disorders, including OA [Osteoarthritis]. In fact, several laboratory studies of cartilage-containing cells have found that omega-3 fatty acids decrease inflammation and reduce the activity of enzymes that break down cartilage. Patients also showed increased improvement when fish oil supplements were used...."

The website goes on to state:

"....New Zealand green lipped mussel ( Perna canaliculus ), another potential source of omega-3 fatty acids, has been shown to reduce joint stiffness and pain, increase grip strength, and enhance walking pace in a small group of people with osteoarthritis."

So if you suffer from degenerative osteoarthritis, you may want to start including a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids like fish oil and New Zealand green lipped mussel.

Osteoarthritis Pain Relief - How You Choose One?

Today, there are many choices of osteoarthritis pain relief. Many of them may only give you temporary pain relief. Ideally, when you're looking for osteoarthritis pain relief, choose the one that not just relieves, but can eliminate the pain, and also rebuild the soft tissue around the effected joint. Is that really possible? In this article, I will try to evaluate the possible one.

What is osteoarthritis? Basically, any type of arthritis involve the fibrous tissue infiltration that give you stiffness, limit your joint movement, build up your cellular debris and cause the inflammation that lead to the pain.

Osteoarthritis is actually known as chronic degenerative joint disease or a wear & tear condition. It usually happens to elderly people or because of the injury. It's usually founded in one or several overused large joints or weight bearing joints such as the spine, hips, and knees.

Although you can diagnose yourself, it's better if you consult with a professional, like your family doctor or a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in this kind of disease, so you will know whether you suffer from osteoarthritis conditions or other disease.

You may know some people have been used enzyme supplement as osteoarthritis pain relief for quite a while. Perhaps you remember that arthritis is classified as inflammation conditions that occur in joint. One of the enzyme supplements that helps the body to eliminate the pain and inflammation is systemic enzyme. Actually, there're clinical studies conducted by Dr. Bannock that show the potency of it. This enzyme supplement also helps our body to regain the soft tissue and the joint changes caused by this disease.

According to the enzymes practitioners, doing systemic enzymes supplementation along with some particular exercising and healthy diets can give you much better approach for this disease or your general health and wellness. Whether you choose the short or long term pain relief, I think now you know how to choose osteoarthritis pain relief.

Dealing With Gouty Arthritis

Gouty arthritis refers to a specific kind of degenerative joint disease in which uric acid builds up in certain areas. This involves particle crystallization in certain key joints, which ultimately causes inflammation and pain. Though it is most commonly associated with bones, it can also affect tendons and other tissues that are closely related. Medical specialists indicate that the big toe is most often affected, though all joints can potentially face problems. Uric acid itself has specific properties that irritate tissue and lead to redness and swelling.

There are a number of things that people can do in order to decrease their risk of developing chronic gout. Because excessive uric acid is linked to obesity, losing weight can be an excellent way to deal with the problem. If rheumatoid arthritis is a prominent part of the family history, then people would do well to take up healthy living habits. Men and women who have already had at least one gout attack should talk with their doctors to see what kind of exercise plan they can embark on. Weight should not be lost all at once. Rather, individuals should strive for a slow, gradual process.

Most specialists will diagnosis gouty arthritis by examining joint fluid under a powerful microscope. If crystals are present within the fluid, then the diagnosis can be made. Most patients may also notice that several joints are affected at once. If attacks often occur at night, people should try to stay hydrated as much as possible. By drinking a certain amount of water each day, men and women can keep their tissues in optimal shape. This will help just a bit in avoiding overly long episodes of gout.

Patients may also want to sit down with a team of specialists so that they understand the role of genetics in all types of arthritis. If they have had a family member deal with the disease in the recent past, then they will have some idea of what to expect. Proper nutrition, adequate exercise, and pain medication can all help with the worst of the symptoms.

In the end, men and women should rely on their doctors for a properly devised treatment plan. Once the uric acid reaches certain levels within the body, it will be hard to ignore. Physicians will likely recommend that individuals overhaul their lifestyles so that they can better deal with the condition. If they can work to keep the acid levels as low as possible, they should gain some relief as they continue on through life in the years ahead.

The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor is it ever intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice or professional recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician(s) or other qualified healthcare provider(s).

Gout Pain Relief - Alarming Side Effects Of Pain Relief Drugs For Gout

Millions of people are on the lookout for gout pain relief and for good reasons, too. Since you are reading this article, we can assume that you have suffered from the severe attacks of pain as well as tenderness in the joints that characterize gout.

It is a pain so severe that crawling on your hands and knees when gout strikes is a part of life. It is a pain so extreme that even the weight of the sheets on your skin can seem like a million tons.

We can understand. Gout affects men and women usually beginning at age 35, although men are more predisposed to it than women. But women will have the same vulnerability as men once the menopause years come prancing by.

Fortunately, gout pain relief is possible and we are talking about natural ways, too. Yes, your doctor can prescribe oral medications to lessen the pain but these drugs have side effects that can aggravate your suffering.

Let's consider the more popular form of pain relief - the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs control the joint pain and inflammation but can cause serious side effects like stomach pain, ulcers and bleeding, not to mention that these can only manage a certain amount of pain. You probably know NSAIDs as ibuprofen, naproxen and indomethacin.

And then there is colchicine. It is effective, yes, but only when given at the start of the symptoms. You will also suffer from intolerable side effects like vomiting, nausea and diarrhea.

Last, corticosteroids are the last resort for people who cannot take the NSAIDs and colchicine. These are effective for gout pain relief but you will not like its side effects of lessened ability to fight infection, slower wound healing and progressively thinner bones.

What Can I Do About Tinnitus, The Non-Stop Ringing In My Ears?

Tinnitus is a common problem, which affects 50 million Americans, according to the American Tinnitus Association (ATA). For one third of those who suffer from tinnitus, the problem is "significantly annoying", for 1 percent of tinnitus sufferers this condition is debilitating and it interferes with sleep and their ability to lead a normal life. The "ringing in the ears" is described as static, screeching, ringing, hissing, crickets, whooshing, roaring, pulsing, ocean waves, buzzing, or dial tones, as stated by By Janice Howard, MA, CCC-A, member of the Tinnitus Practitioner's Association, in her article Tinnitus Treatment Saves a Marriage. Some people report hearing music and even voices. Hearing voices falls in the auditory hallucination realm, while hearing music is somewhere in between tinnitus and auditory hallucinations and is beyond the scope of this article.

Many tinnitus sufferers believe they have a terrible disease which is causing the ringing in their ears. When they seek medical help and their medical providers tell them they can't find anything wrong and to "learn to live with it", despair and isolation increases, which in turn might make tinnitus worse. Tinnitus is not a disease, it's a symptom. Several medical conditions may cause tinnitus, therefore it is important to have a complete medical evaluation if you experience tinnitus, which should begin with a visit to an audiologist, preferably one familiar with tinnitus. The audiologist can then make a referral to an otolaryngologist (ENT) or family practice physician if needed. Once you've been medically cleared, that is, if your doctor can't find any medical reason for the tinnitus, you should seek the help of a professional who specializes in tinnitus management. Good places to start are the Tinnitus Practitioner's Association and the American Tinnitus Association.

Some conditions that may cause tinnitus are:

Presbycusis (age-related hearing loss)

Noise exposure with or without hearing loss

Earwax

Otosclerosis (arthritis of the middle ear bones)

Stress and depression

TMJ disorders (problems with the temporomandibular joint)

Head or neck injuries

Tumors

Blood vessel disorders

Atherosclerosis

High blood pressure

Some medications

However, for many people the cause of ringing in the ears is not known.

People react differently to tinnitus. Some find it a little annoying and others find it debilitating. Unlike what most people think, the actual "volume" of the ringing is not very different between the groups, that is, it's not that tinnitus is softer in those who feel mildly annoyed, rather, it's the person's reaction to the noise that makes it either annoying or unbearable. There are several treatments that can help people cope with their tinnitus, including:

Counseling

Hearing aids

Medications

Psychological therapy

Sound therapy

It is important to know that as of this writing there is no cure for tinnitus, however, this doesn't mean there is no help for dealing with it. Many tinnitus sufferers have gotten their lives back by seeking help.

I will explore the "why" and "how" tinnitus therapy works on my next article.

Forward Head Posture Correction

Forward head posture is a pathological structural abnormality in which the head is translated anterior in relation to the rest of the body. The normal static upright posture for the skull is where the center of mass of the skull [generally at the external auditory meatus] is aligned over the center of mass of the thorax [generally the midpoint of the shoulder].

There are many reasons why people develop forward head posture. The incidence of this problem has grown exponentially with the advent of the personal computer and video games. There is also a direct correlation between whiplash injuries (due to acceleration-deceleration trauma in an auto accident), and the incidence of forward head posture. There is no data to support whether it is more prevalent in males or females, or what age brackets are most affected.

Because of gravitational stress, it is important that there is normal alignment with regard to the skull on the thorax and the thorax on the pelvis. Research has shown for every one inch of anterior head translation, there is a doubling of gravitational compressive loading exerted on the muscles and joints of the cervical and thoracic spine. For example, if the head weighs 10 pounds, if there is a one inch anterior translation, the result is 20 pounds of gravitational stress being exerted on the body; two inches of anterior head posture = 30 pounds of gravitational stress. This accounts for why people who have forward head posture have chronic suboccipital pain, as well as pain in the traps, rhomboids, and other muscles which help to maintain the posture. These muscles are fatigued and end up developing spasms and trigger points. Additionally research has shown forward head posture is damaging to the joints (resulting in arthritis, degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease).

The normal anatomical configuration for the lateral (saggital) cervical spine is a lordosis (or forward curve). The ideal-normal curve is 42 degrees of a circle (as measured between C2 and C7). There is a strong relationship between forward head posture and the loss of a normal cervical curve (and/or a reversal of the normal cervical curve). In the most severe instances, there is a multiple harmonic configuration (where within the span of C2 to C7, there are multiple curves). This is pathological and unstable.

There is a legitimate and scientifically founded reason to rehabilitate the cervico-thoracic spine to correct structural abnormalities (such as forward head posture) even going beyond the resolution of pain. This runs contrary to the current medical model which is symptom specific only (in other words - you stop treating once the patient is asymptomatic). Structural correction of the spine is more akin to orthodontics for the teeth. The clinical goal is not the simple amelioration of pain, but rather the correction of abnormal and pathological posture (which will result in chronic and permanent damage to soft and hard spinal tissues).

People suffering with forward head posture have sought a variety of treatments including medicine, chiropractic care, massage therapy, physical therapy and acupuncture. I have found the most effective treatment plan must involve a combination of modalities which serve to restore motion, alignment and strength. The first issue that needs handled is the restoration of motion (to the joints and the muscles). The most effective way to accomplish this is via chiropractic adjustments, stretching (active assisted and proprioceptive neurofascilitation or "PNF" stretching). Additionally, a variety of muscle and soft tissue therapies (such as Nimmo Ischemic Compression, Active Release Technique, Graston and Kinesiotaping) all have proven to be useful for the restoration of normal motion.

Once the patient's full, pain-free range of motion has been restored, the alignment may be addressed. The most effective way of correcting the forward displacement is via two-way extension-compression traction. The two way traction exerts forces on the patient in two different vectors. One part exerts force on the patient's forehead, gently pulling the head posterior (backward). It moves the skull back over the center of mass of the shoulder. The second force is applied to the back of the patient's neck, gently pulling it anterior (forward) to restore the curve in the neck). Research has shown the most effective results occur when this traction is done for a minimum of seven minutes to a maximum of twenty minutes. After twenty minutes, no further clinical benefits are obtained. The traction can be thought of as a long-slow adjustment. The purpose of it is to structurally deform the ligaments which are responsible for maintaining the saggital (lateral) shape of the spine (most notably the anterior longitudinal ligament). It takes time to overcome the hysteresis and creep properties of the elastic cartilage. The patient is to traction their own neck at home every day (seven days per week, and doing multiple sessions per day).

While the alignment is being addressed via traction, there must also be restoration of the strength and stability of the cerviothoracic spine. This is accomplished via a variety of specific exercises. The exercises are designed to build endurance and strength in all planes of movement. The patient is to start the exercise campaign doing isometric contractions followed by gentle proprioceptive exercises (which stimulate the joint mechanoreceptors and assist in building stability). Stability and endurance must be developed before strength. After this, the patient needs to build strength through isokinetic exercises. The areas to be addressed include the neck, upper back, chest and shoulders. The patient needs to be evaluated for asymmetrical contractions, cross body patterns and abnormal firing patterns.

When the patient has full, pain-free range of motion, no anterior translation of the skull on the thorax, a 42 degree cervical lordosis and has excellent strength & stability they are then "normal" and to be discharged from care. Intermittent follow up examinations (wellness checkups) are advised to make sure there hasn't been any regression.