TMJ Pain Relief Methods

Those who suffer from Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMJ, have to deal with pain in their lower jaw on a regular basis. There are a variety of things that can be done to treat TMJ and to lessen the pain that is brought on as a result of having this condition. There are dental treatments, medicines, at home treatments, and alternative treatments that can be used for this purpose.

One of the first things that can be tried in order to get some TMJ pain relief is checking out the available dental treatments that might help you. If you have a problem with grinding your teeth, or if your teeth are not aligned properly, you can be fitted with a device that can help realign your teeth or keep you from grinding them at night, depending on which problem you are having. Other problems that can be fixed by a dentist include an uncomfortable or uneven bite that is brought on due to not having all of your dental work being done, or a filling or crown that is too high.

Although many over the counter NSAIDS such as aspirin or Tylenol do not usually provide TMJ pain relief, there are some prescription medications that have been found to be helpful for some people. These include the off label use of some types of antidepressants. Some people also find that the over the counter medication Aleve can provide some relief.

The at home treatment methods for TMJ pain relief include trying not to use your jaw too much, trying to keep your jaw in the proper position, applying heat and cold, and using stretching exercises and massage. All of these methods can be done on your own once you have been shown the proper way to go about them.

Finally, there are some alternative treatments that can be used for TMJ pain relief. These are particularly good for people who grind their teeth or clench their jaw due to stress, since these are mainly stress relief techniques. They include yoga, meditation, deep breathing, guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation techniques. These can also be taught to those who are interested in giving them a try on their own.