Finding Relief from TMJ Pain

May 20, 2015 By Dr. William S. Gruss, M.D.

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), TMJ disorders are the second most common pain-causing musculoskeletal conditions after chronic low back pain.(1)

Temporomandibular joint disorders, commonly known as TMJ disorders or just TMJ, refer to a number of health conditions that involve the joints around your jaw and the related areas around the joint.

These include the joint cartilage, muscles of the jaw, face and neck, nearby ligaments and nerves, along with your teeth. You can feel these joints move when you place your fingers in front of your ears while you open and close your mouth.

TMJ disorders affect millions of Americans, with estimates that as many as 1/3 of all adults report having one or more of the symptoms.(2)

While the cause of TMJ is not entirely clear, injury to the jaw or temoromandibular joint as well as trauma to the muscles of the head or neck can trigger TMJ. TMJ can also arise from grinding or clenching of the teeth, which puts pressure on the jaw joints.

Poor posture can contribute to TMJ symptoms as well. For example, if you work at a computer, or if you're on the telephone a lot, holding your head forward or in an awkward angle strains the muscles of the face and neck. Other causative factors may include stress or anxiety, poor diet, and lack of sleep.

For example, if you suffer from chronic stress, your facial and jaw muscles can tighten up. When this happens, you may start grinding your teeth, which then affects the jaw joints. Sometimes TMJ can result if you habitually chew gum or bite your nails.

How to Recognize TMJ Symptoms and Manage the Pain

The severe pain and discomfort associated with TMJ can be temporary, or it can last for many years. For many people, the symptoms don't last long and may go away little or no treatment. Some of the common symptoms of TMJ disorders include:

• Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders
• Pain or tenderness around the ear when you chew or open your mouth wide
• Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth
• Difficulty chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite
• Swelling on one or both sides of your face

Toothaches, headaches, neck aches, dizziness, earaches, hearing problems, upper shoulder pain, and ringing in the ears (tinnitis) may also be symptomatic of TMJ.(3)

To minimize TMJ pain, rest your jaw and make a conscious effort to not open your mouth too wide when yawning or laughing. Avoid any harmful chewing or nail-biting habits you may have. Eating soft foods like yogurt, soup, mashed or pureed vegetables and fruit can also provide some relief.

Sleeping with or wearing a mouth or bite guard can prevent you from grinding your teeth at night and reduce pain. Stress management techniques like yoga, deep breathing and meditation can also help, as can getting massage for the neck, shoulders, face and head.

Lastly, for pain relief, choose Isoprex. Isoprex helps relieve joint pain without any side effects. It is an all natural supplement that contains powerful ingredients scientifically proven to help relieve neck aches and sore muscles.

The ingredients in Isoprex have all been shown to be safe – and many of them work as well or better than dangerous over-the-counter and prescription pain pills. Keep a bottle in your medicine cabinet at all times.

(1) http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/02/21/relaxation-and-rest-can-ease-tmj-mouth-pain/

(2) http://www.aafp.org/afp/2007/1115/p1477.html

(3) http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/temporomandibular-disorders