HOW TO CURE TMJ PERMANENTLY
Heal TMJ challenges with these tips to reduce stress and muscle tension, and resolve dental issues.
Understanding TMJ: Symptoms and Causes
TMJ disorders affect the joints and muscles that control jaw movement. Common symptoms include:
Jaw pain or tenderness
Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth
Difficulty chewing or discomfort while chewing
Locking of the jaw joint
Headaches or neck pain
The causes of TMJ disorders vary, but often include:
Jaw injury or trauma
Misalignment of teeth or jaw
Chronic emotional stress leading to teeth grinding or clenching
Arthritis in the TMJ
Poor posture, especially affecting the neck and shoulders
Chronic stress buildup can lead to feelings of overwhelm, irritation and shutdown. Understanding these causes is crucial for addressing TMJ discomfort effectively. For example, chronic stress often leads to persistent teeth grinding and jaw clenching, both significant contributors to TMJ discomfort.
Steps to Cure TMJ Permanently
1. Stress Management with Nervous System Regulation
Reducing chronic stress is key in addressing TMJ discomfort. A dysregulated nervous system can exacerbate TMJ symptoms through increased muscle tension and grinding. Here are some practical ways to manage stress:
Daily Relaxation Techniques: Stillness practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can significantly reduce stress levels.
Regular Physical Activity: Engaging in physical activities or exercise, like walking, swimming, or cycling helps release tension stored in the muscles.
Somatic Exercises: These nervous system exercises increase body awareness and can help release tension in the jaw and neck by releasing stress from the body. Try the Cannon exercise for a quick tension release:
2. Jaw Exercises and Physical Therapy
Strengthening and stretching the muscles around the TMJ, with the supervision of a specializing physical therapist, can alleviate pain and improve function. Consider the following exercises as examples:
Jaw Relaxation: Place your tongue on the roof of your mouth and allow your jaw to relax. Practice this several times a day.
Chin Tucks: Gently tuck your chin towards your neck, holding for a few seconds before releasing. This helps improve neck posture, reducing strain on the TMJ.
Resistance Exercises: Gently push against your chin with your hand while trying to open your mouth. This strengthens the jaw muscles.
3. Dental Interventions
For some, dental issues such as misaligned teeth or bite problems can be the root cause of TMJ disorders. Dental treatments may include:
Orthodontics: Correcting misaligned teeth can reduce strain on the TMJ.
Mouthguards: Custom-fitted mouthguards can prevent teeth grinding at night, reducing TMJ symptoms.
Restorative Dental Work: In cases of significant dental issues, restorative work such as crowns or bridges may be necessary.
4. Lifestyle and Dietary Adjustments
Certain lifestyle changes can support TMJ health and prevent symptoms from worsening:
Avoid Hard Foods: Steer clear of foods that require excessive chewing, such as nuts, hard candies, and tough meats.
Maintain Good Posture: Ensure that your workstation is ergonomically designed to support good posture. Avoid cradling the phone between your ear and shoulder.
Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration supports overall muscle function and health.
5. NEUROFIT Approach: Balancing the Nervous System
At NEUROFIT, we believe that nervous system regulation is key to overall well-being. Our app offers personalized somatic exercises designed to relieve stress and balance the nervous system, which can indirectly help alleviate TMJ symptoms. By incorporating daily check-ins, HRV measurements, and targeted exercises, users can achieve a more balanced and resilient nervous system.
The NEUROFIT App's guided nervous system program is designed to reduce stress and resolve burnout within a few weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to relieve TMJ pain?
Immediate relief can often be found through relaxation techniques like deep breathing or applying a warm or cold compress to the jaw. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can also help reduce pain and swelling.
Can TMJ disorders go away on their own?
In some cases, TMJ symptoms may resolve without intervention. However, chronic or severe TMJ disorders may need more targeted treatment to prevent long-term problems.
How does stress affect TMJ disorders?
Stress can lead to muscle tension and habits like teeth grinding or clenching, which exacerbate TMJ symptoms. Managing stress through relaxation techniques and nervous system regulation is crucial for TMJ relief.
Is surgery necessary for TMJ disorders?
Surgery is rarely needed for TMJ disorders and is typically considered only after other treatments have failed. Non-invasive treatments like physical therapy, stress reduction, and dental interventions are often effective.
By addressing the root causes of TMJ disorders—such as chronic stress, muscle tension, and dental issues—you can find permanent relief. At NEUROFIT, we focus on nervous system fitness to support overall well-bein, reduced stress and nervous system balance, which can play a significant role in alleviating TMJ symptoms.
