3 Ways to Alleviate TMJ Jaw Pain

1. Conventional Medicine Fixes

Finding a conventional medical doctor who specializes in TMJ disorders is helpful in getting short-term and long-term relief from symptoms. Consult different practitioners until you get the care that works for you. A dentist experienced in TMJ can prescribe a mouth guard that might correct the problem permanently.
For immediate pain relief, doctors can suggest over-the-counter medications and prescriptions. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen may reduce the swelling that causes the pain, but this may not be significant enough to address or mask your symptoms. Your doctor may have you try muscle relaxants, tricyclic antidepressants or corticosteroids until you find pain relief.

2. Alternative Medicine Treatments

Regular massage can feel terrific in those tense TMJ-related muscles and joints. It can also break the cycle of tension and jaw pain. When teeth grinding or clenching stresses the temporomandibular joints and surrounding tissue, these body parts react by getting stiff. To alleviate the stiffness, you may habitually want to move the joints or muscles. Unfortunately, that doesn't help these overworked areas. Periodic massage, however, relaxes the body and gives it a chance to cease reactive behavior.
In addition to muscle tension, a misaligned disk or other underlying bite disorder can cause TMJ. Some alternative care focuses more on these causes than on symptoms. Acupuncture and chiropractic adjustments may help to correct the situation temporarily or permanently, alleviating the resulting pain.

3. Prevention and Self-Care

For throbbing or aching, try alternating moist heat packs and cool gel packs. There's no need to freeze cold packs. Instead, put them in the fridge, and they should be comfortable enough to place directly on your skin.
To prevent or avoid increasing your TMJ pain, eat soft foods and don't chew gum (or pencils). Correct your seated posture at the computer and when driving, and take breaks. Go the long-term route by practicing a regimen of stretches for the muscles of the head, neck, jaw, shoulders and upper back.