Temporal
Mandibular Dysfunction (TMJ) is a disorder of the jaw
joint that lies at the base of the jaw. The
temporomandibular joint in effect enables a person to
perform some of the most basic activities like chewing,
speaking, swallowing and yawning.
A
typical dysfunction of this joint can occur because of a
displacement of the disc located at this joint, a mal
alignment of the jaw joint due to several reasons, an
injury related complication, an inflammation in the
surrounding muscles, or it could even be a result of a
damaging chronic habit such as teeth grinding or teeth
clenching.
Symptoms
of TMJ disorder
Any
type of dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint can
be exhibited by the body in any of the following
symptoms:
- Headaches
(or migraines)
- Pain
in the facial regions
- Muscle
disorder
- Teeth
grinding
- Inability
to open or close the mouth in the normal
manner
- Audibility
of clicking or popping sounds when the jaw joint is
moved
- Pain
in the neck and upper spinal column
regions
- Difficulty
in chewing and swallowing
- Inability
to stretch the mouth wide – for example to
yawn
- Experience
of pain while speaking at a
stretch
Relief
from TMJ symptoms
While
there are several ways that people seek to gain relief
from TMJ associated pain and other discomfort, there are
more fundamental ways that one can go about treating the
TMJ condition and acquire long term relief. TMJ symptom
relief can be acquired from the following
options:
- Correct
relaxation techniques to reduce tension in the
temporomandibular joint regions and the muscles
surrounding it. This is effective especially when done
frequently and prior to sleep
times.
- Jaw
exercises that provide the necessary stretching and
strengthening movements for improving the
functionality of the temporal and mandible bones and
the temporomandibular jaw joint (as well as the
muscles that cover the jaw). These specific sets of
facial exercises are extremely beneficial for TMJ
symptom relief
- Other
than these, one may follow several holistic measures
for a general life style reorientation that more
fruitfully geared towards healthy living and stronger
immunity levels
Many
take recourse to medications and surgeries to tackle the
immediate discomforts of TMJ symptoms. However such
options should be only used as last resort options and
not the first thing that one does to manage the TMJ
symptoms. Drugs and surgeries can potentially complicate
a TMJ condition further. Usually an early diagnosis
after prompt examinations will take care of all TMJ
symptoms through holistic self help means
alone.
