Natural Relief For TMJ Disorder

Dysfunction in the jaw muscles and joints also known as temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJ could give sufferers excruciating pain. In some cases, pain is just occasional and temporary but in severe cases sufferers experience long term symptoms and pains. Pain is felt in the jaw and radiates to the face, ears, neck and shoulders. Symptoms also include jaw stiffness, pain and clicking sound whenever you open and close your mouth. Locking of jaw could happen in severe cases. Of course if the pain is too disturbing, you need to see a doctor or dentist. Natural relief for TMJ disorder is another option.

The exact causes of TMJ disorders are still not clear but suspected causes are jaw injury, clenching of teeth (bruxism), a bad bite, orthodontic braces, anxiety, stress and poor posture while sleeping causing jaw misalignment.

Because of the complexity of the jaw joint and muscles structure and movement, conservative treatment are usually recommended by experts and invasive treatments like surgery is always the last option.

One important natural relief for TMJ disorder is the knowledge or education about the disorder. By knowing what you are dealing with, you will know the things to be avoided that could make your condition worse. Sometimes bad mouth habits and posture can aggravate your condition. Knowing the nature of your disorder will also save you from too much anxiousness and worries.

Self care is another natural relief for TMJ disorder. Since this disorder involves jaw muscles and joints, it is best to avoid extreme jaw movements like wide yawning and loud singing. Activities that could put too much pressure and stress on the jaw should be avoided like habitual fingernail biting, gum chewing and eating hard to chew foods. Eat soft foods or cut foods into small pieces for smaller bites to prevent too much work for your jaw.

Jaw exercise is also a good natural relief for TMJ disorder. Learn some relaxation techniques like slow breathing to release muscle and joint tension. A therapist could help you with jaw relaxation exercises and massage to relax your jaw.