Tips to Ease the Pain of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder

BLOOMINGTON, MINN. — Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition of the jaw that affects an estimated 10 million Americans. TMJ disorder is often characterized by clicking or popping noises, as well as soreness and stiffness when opening and closing the mouth. Other common symptoms include ringing of the ears (tinnitus), dizziness, earaches, difficulty swallowing or speaking, and headaches. Moreover, TMJ disorder may be the cause for more than half of chronic headache cases. 

“Because a lot of the symptoms are general in nature, many people suffer from TMJ and don’t even know it,” says Joseph Sweere, DC, a professor at Northwestern Health Sciences University. “But symptoms should not be ignored because cartilage on the discs (that protect the joint) will wear through over time, which can lead to degenerative arthritis.”

Certain factors can make people more prone to TMJ disorder. Dr. Sweere notes the following:

• Having one dominant chewing side. “If you have had teeth removed on one side of your mouth, you tend to chew on the opposite side,” says Dr. Sweere. “This creates inadequate vertical support which can cause a muscle imbalance or asymmetry in the jaw.” Because gum chewers generally chew on one side, Dr. Sweere advises against chewing gum.
• Teeth grinding (Bruxism). Many people grind their teeth when they sleep. Other people tend to clench their teeth when in stressful situations. Both situations put unnecessary stress on the jaw.
• Whiplash injury to neck. Being involved in an accident where an air bag was deployed can lead to TMJ disorder due to the relation of bones in the upper neck to the bones of the skull and jaw.
• Dental orthodontia. “When teeth are straightened, orthodontists may remove some teeth – generally the bicuspids,” says Dr. Sweere. “This may stunt or retard the growth of jaw bones and muscles and cause imbalances or disruptions of normal jaw function.”

Although severe cases may require oral surgery, Dr. Sweere offers the following tips to help ease the pain of TMJ disorder:

• Exercise consistently. “It is wise to develop a good, definitive exercise routine,” says Dr. Sweere. “Consistent exercise releases endorphins that may ease pain.”
• Manage stress. Stress causes many people to clench their jaw, which can lead to jaw soreness and stiffness. Meditation and deep breathing exercises can help quiet the mind and relieve stress.
• Be conscious of mouth placement. “When your mouth is closed, your teeth should not be touching,” says Dr. Sweere. “To keep your teeth from clenching, practice positioning your mouth so only your lips touch.”
• Get an adequate amount of magnesium and calcium. Because these minerals help relax muscles, Dr. Sweere recommends getting at least 300 to 500 milligrams (up to 800 milligrams) of magnesium and 2,000 milligrams of calcium each day.
• Avoid caffeine. Caffeine acts as a stimulant, making it harder for the body to de-stress and relax.
• See your chiropractor for neck and jaw adjustments. “Chiropractors often work with knowledgeable TMJ dental specialists,” says Dr. Sweere. “As a team, the chiropractor and dentist can recommend a variety of treatment options.”
• Purchase a mouth guard. For teeth grinders, Dr. Sweere recommends getting a night guard from a local drug store or mouth guard from an athletic store. The guard will help keep the jaw from moving and allow for proper spacing while sleeping.
• Evaluate your pillow. “If you notice that you sleep on your hands or arms, it is a good sign that your pillow isn’t big enough,” says Dr. Sweere. “Sleeping on top of a hand or arm may displace the jaw. Instead, sleep in a side position with your arms and hands below the shoulders – avoid stomach lying at all costs.”

“TMJ is not a condition to be taken lightly,” says Dr. Sweere. “With proper management and care, there is a good chance of getting relief from this potentially painful condition.”

For additional resources on TMJ, visit http://www.nwhealth.edu/nns, a Web site focusing on natural approaches to health and wellness hosted by Northwestern Health Sciences University.

Editor’s note: The Natural News Service is a public information program provided by Northwestern Health Sciences University. If you choose to use this release, please attribute the information accordingly.  The University offers a wide array of choices in natural health care education including chiropractic, Oriental medicine, acupuncture, massage therapy and integrative health and wellness. The University has 900 students on a 25-acre campus in Bloomington, Minn.