The world of medicine has often been found wanting when it comes to discovering an effective cure for certain diseases, which are serious in nature, and cause considerable pain and discomfort to those afflicted by it. This holds particularly true for the conventional school of medication. People are thus often left with only two options: either trying to cover the internally generated noise via other 'white noises' or 'sound masks', or making an attempt to switch to a life in which these distressing sounds would be a regular occurrence. Fortunately, the intensity and the pains associated with many such diseases can be considerably brought down, if exercises are regularly practiced, in sessions conducted under seasoned experts. One of the ailments that fall in this category is the temporomantibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Experiences of many people show that these exercises are highly effective in alleviating the painful sensations of TMJ disorders. However, the physiological getup of this intricate jaw joint has to be carefully understood, before one becomes able to fully grasp the full advantages of practicing these tasks.
The joint in the temporomandibular joint of the body is somewhat different from the other joints. Its utility is not limited as a ball and socket joint (hip and shoulder joint) or a device that resembles a hinge (elbow joint). While the TMJ does act as a hinge for the lower parts of the jaw area (mandible), it also makes the slight forward movement of the jaw possible as well. This movement, in fact, allows people to bite things in the proper manner. The TMJ exercises try to ease out the process of opening and closing the jaw, by toning the muscles present in the TMJ area. Such ways of relaxing the muscles also ensure that biting activities become more easy and problem-free.
While we have, till now, dealt only with the anatomical aspects of TMJ, the next thing we would do is to look at the TMJ exercises. For a person suffering from the TMJ ailment, the following TMJ exercises can come in extremely handy indeed.
Exercise # 1
The roof of the mouth has to be touched by the tongue, the mouth opened as wide as possible, and breath should be inhaled for a couple of counts. Next comes the holding of this breadth, followed by the exercise of exhaling, again for a couple of counts. Once completed, the tongue should go back to its initial position. After a specific interval (few seconds), the exercise should be repeated, that too, for ten times.
Exercise # 2
The fist has to be rolled up in a tight manner, and placed underneath the chin. Now, patients have to make an attempt to open their chin, while holding their arms simultaneously, in a steady manner. The lower jaw bone (or, the mandible) gets much-needed relaxation via this method, thanks to the isometric energy developed in the exercise. The time span of the exercise is ten seconds. Once completed, after an interval of ten seconds is to be repeated. In this manner, the exercise has to be done ten time. However, the exercise has to be immediately brought to an end, if clicking sounds become audible when the jaw is being opened. Patients have to restart the tasks once more in such cases.
Exercise # 3
Isometric energy can also be generated by forming a tight left fist, and placing it under the left portion of the jaw, and maintaining a strong pressure point. If this position is retained for ten seconds, the muscles of the jaw region become relaxed, and can easily retract back to their original forms. Ten times is the recommended number this exercise should be repeated. The directions are the same when people would use their right fist to support the right portion of their jaws.
Exercise # 4
Pressure can be exerted, albeit in medium dosage) right underneath the joint area of the TMJ, by the application of the index fingers in either of the patients' hands. The mouth should then be gradually opened, till a click sound is heard. Of course, as soon as the sound is audible, the exercise has to be abandoned and restarted. The jaw region will recover its original alignment and will open/close more smoothly, with the help of the even pressure that is applied on either side of the jaw, in this exercise.
Exercise # 5
This TMJ exercise is the most challenging one, and hence, people with more serious cases of TMJ disorders are generally advised to stay away from practicing it. It is certainly not suitable for those with persistent jaw pains due to TMJ, or if they have other related health hazards. Its efficacy as a TMJ pain-lessening exercise is, however, widely trusted by patients, particularly in cases where the ailment has been diagnosed at an early stage.
The two major functions of the temporomandibular (TMJ) joint can be listed in the following way - a) its hinge-like functions that allow the jaw to close and open with greater ease, and b) its property to sliding the lower jaw ahead, so that humans can bite food items properly. The exercise in question is aimed at rejuvenating the working powers of the TMJ. The forefinger as well as the thumb holds up the chin, and, in addition, shake up the chin, at intervals of ten seconds. Patients can also imitate the manner in which TMJ works, by moving the chin region slightly back and forth. It is imperative that the task is immediately halted if painful sensations are experienced while performing it.
Achieving TMJ Relief
There is no denying the benefits of the TMJ exercises, but these effects do never last for extended periods of time. The reason for this is simple: These exercises are not able to remove the underlying problem-creating factors the ailment. As such, chances of the TMJ disorder coming back are high.
High hopes should not be expected from the conventional schools of medication, or the drugs that are sold over the counter. Both these categories of treatment techniques treat only the symptoms of the TMJ disorder, and not the underlying causes behind the latter. On the other hand, holistic schools of treatment are much more effective, since they point out each and every reason behind the TMJ problems, and set about eliminating them. The entire body of the affected people is perceived as one entity for this purpose. Long-term cure from TMJ disorders is thus achieved, since there remains no trace of the causes of the ailment, or its symptoms, in the body of the individual.
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