How to Stop TMJ Pain

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which connects the lower jaw to the skull. This syndrome is present when there is soreness of the jaw, sometimes with the jaw locking in place or refusing to open very wide. There may also be popping sounds when someone suffering from TMJ syndrome bites down. Head and neck pain are also often present. TMJ syndrome is particularly prevalent in women during their childbearing years and is more prevalent in women than men in general, but it can affect anyone. It is estimated that in America alone 35 million people suffer from this condition.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Warm compress
• Ibuprofen or another pain medication
• Night guard

1. Rest the jaw by eating soft foods, avoiding gum or candy or anything else that might require repetitive chewing. Steps should also be taken to lessen and manage stress, which can lead to tooth grinding and the tensing of muscles.

2. Apply a warm compress to the painful areas of the jaw to relax the muscles. If the pain is a result of an injury, then ice can be used. Ibuprofen or another pain medication can also be taken if necessary.

3. Wear a night guard to keep from grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw while sleeping, which can lead to jaw pain and worsen TMJ symptoms.

4. Go to your primary care physician for further treatment if the above steps do not cure the problem. Doctors can either wash out the joint by the use of two syringes, which is done under local anesthesia, or can administer a cortisone injection.

5. Surgery should be your last option. The surgeon will replace the jaw joints with artificial implants.

Tips & Warnings

• Surgery to replace the jaw joints is often irreversible and should only be considered after all other options have failed to bring relief.

References

• Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome
• tmj.org

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