How to Cure TMJ Headaches Naturally
TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorder is an illness that affects between 5 and 15 percent of the United States, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms of TMJ include clicking or popping in the jaw when eating, yawning or talking, headaches, jaw pain and neck pain. Headache pain associated with TMJ can be cured naturally with exercises and massage.
Instructions
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Eat soft foods. When suffering from headaches associated with TMJ, eat foods like pudding, rice, bananas and other soft foods to prevent placing additional stress on the jaw. This will give the jaw area a chance to relax.
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Alternate applications of heat and cold. Wrap a hot water bottle in a towel and apply the heat to each side of your jaw and temple area for 15 minutes. Wait 15 minutes, then apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel and apply to the same areas of the jaw and temple area for 15 minutes on each side. Repeat every hour as needed.
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Loosen the jaw with exercises. Exercises will help soothe headaches, especially when performed every day. Open your mouth as wide as you can and press your fist into your chin, pressing your jaw back toward the back of your head. Press against the chin for 30 seconds and release your jaw and close your mouth. Repeat this exercise four times a day.
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Massage your jaw. A headache due to TMJ occurs because of jaw tension. To release the muscles in your jaw, gently rub the hinge were your jaw meets your skull, next to your ears. Gently massage this area until the headache pain dissipates.
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Relax with aromatherapy. Aromatherapy causes tense muscles to relax. When jaw tension relaxes, the headache will decrease. Place a few dabs of aromatherapy oil, like lavender and chamomile, on the forehead, jaw and near the nose. Lie down in a dark room and breathe deeply for 10 minutes to reduce tension in the jaw and head.
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Tips & Warnings
Adjust your posture if you are feeling jaw pain due to TMJ.
If the headache is so extreme that you are unable to eat or function, see a doctor immediately.
