Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, TMJ, is characterized by pain in the jaw and surrounding areas, and limitations in jaw movements. According to The TMJ Association, this condition can affect your ability to speak, eat, make facial expressions and even breathe. Some simple stretching exercises can help to relieve the symptoms, some of which include pain in the neck and shoulders, headaches, jaw stiffness and painful clicking of the jaw.
Significance
According to the Atlanta Dentist website, TMJ pain often comes from muscle pain. The main purpose of TMJ exercises is to reduce muscle problems. An exercise plan designed by a doctor, dentist or physical therapist will have the goals of relieving pain and decreasing muscle spasm and inflammation.
Features
TMJ exercises involve gentle stretching, massage and relaxation of the jaw. Heat or ice packs may also be prescribed. In some cases, your doctor or therapist may recommend ultrasound or electrotherapy, including electrical nerve stimulation.
Examples
First, sit in a high-backed chair, resting your back against the back rest. Lightly close your mouth. Put the web of your thumb and forefinger against the front of the lower jaw, and use your chin to press your head backwards. Do not allow allow your head to flex or extend. If you are doing this correctly, you should feel your lower teeth moving backwards in relation to you upper teeth. Relax, and allow your jaw and head to move forward again, keeping your chin on the same level. Do not look up or down. Repeat five times. Second, open your mouth as wide as possible, then put your hand on your chin and press to open even wider. Hold for 30 seconds, then release. Another exercise is to slide your jaw to the left as far as you can. Then, use your right hand to put pressure on your jaw, increasing the pull to the left. Hold for 30 seconds, and release. Repeat the exercises sliding your jaw to the right, and holding with your left hand.
Prevention/Solution
According to Causeof.org, physical therapists and chiropractors do not see their patients often enough to fully treat TMJ. Therefore, it is important to continue doing the exercises prescribed by your doctor or therapist at home in order to help alleviate symptoms and prevent a recurrence. Most exercises should be done three times a day, every day.
Warning
See your doctor if you think you have TMJ. There is no single test to diagnose this condition. Your doctor will need to do a complete evaluation, including a detailed medical history and examination of your head, face, neck and jaw. She may also order tests to rule out other possible causes for your pain.
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