Home What Are Some TMJ Home Remedies

What Are Some TMJ Home Remedies

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are caused due to the misalignment of the jaw joint or TMJ. It can result in headaches, aches in the face, pain in the shoulders, neck, etc.TMJ disorders can vary from being very mild to severe. A mild case may not cause any discomfort and may even go unnoticed. But a severe case can be very bothersome and will need medical attention. For temporary relief various TMJ home remedies such as ice packs, hot compresses, etc. can be used.

Change In Practices

A small conscious effort on you part to change a habit can make a big different while dealing with TMJ. Some of the simplest TMJ home remedies are given below:

  • Rest: One of the easiest ways to deal with the pain is to treat it like you would treat a hurting knee, give it plenty of rest. Hence one should avoid unnecessary talking and should stick to semi solid food. Also yawns should be stopped by placing a fist under the chin. This can help reduce the damage on the TMJ but one will have to consult a TMJ dentist for medical attention.

  • Unclench: Most people with TMJ disorders have a habit of clenching their teeth. This will result in the tenderness of the jaw muscles. Facial pain can be due to the tenderness of these muscles. According to doctors, keeping the tongue behind the front teeth, touching the roof of the mouth will relax the jaw muscles. Though stress alone cannot cause TMJ, it can worsen the already existing TMJ jaw pain.

For Temporary Relief

When pain gets severe, instead of using pain relievers, the following TMJ home remedies are safer.

  • Bundle up: Keeping your chin warm will result in good blood flow to the area and help reduce inflammation and muscle pain. During cold weather one should always use a scarf or a hat to cover ones TMJ area. Applying heating pads during pain will relieve muscle pain.

  • Ice packs: If you experience muscle spasms, an ice pack will help. The ice bag can be covered in a towel before applying it on the area. It can be kept on the jaw for 10 minutes and taken off for 10 minutes before the cycle is repeated for an hour.

  • Massage: Massaging the jaw area is another simple TMJ home remedy that helps relax the muscles.

Controlling Sleeping Positions

Sleeping on one’s side or on the stomach can exert pressure on the jaws and aggravate the pain so one should practice sleeping on one’s back. Doctors or physical therapists can give u a cervical pillow of the right thickness which will help you sleep on your back. Keeping your knee on a pillow or a rolled towel will help.

Postures and Stress

People with TMJ should avoid resting their chin on their hands and they should avoid supporting phones between their ear and shoulder as it will strain the already taxed muscles. Relaxing techniques can be used to reduce stress and to relax muscles. Adopting a right posture and positioning the work table at the right height to avoid strain is very important.

It is important to know that the TMJ home remedies will only give temporary relief and will not heal the condition. And if the symptoms continue or worsen, it is always advisable to see a specialist.