Your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the small joint in front of your ears that connects your jaw with your skull, and it allows your lower jaw to open and close. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons states that TMJ problems are common and cause numerous symptoms, including earaches, headaches and reduced jaw range of motion. Nutritional supplementation may be helpful in treating your TMJ disorder-related symptoms, although you should always clear the use of nutritional supplements with your physician first.
About TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders are a collection of painful conditions that may affect both your jaw joints and the muscles that allow their movement. According to MayoClinic.com, TMJ disorders can often be successfully treated using conservative, non-surgical procedures. Several conditions may cause TMJ disorders, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, displacement of the disc within your TMJ and jaw trauma. Stress, which may cause teeth clenching or grinding, can affect your jaw muscles and is another possible cause of TMJ disorders.
Helpful Nutritional Supplementation
Nutritional supplementation has long been used in treating TMJ disorders. Certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that numerous nutritional supplements may be helpful in treating your TMJ problems, including calcium and magnesium, chondroitin and glucosamine sulfate, MSM, SAMe, vitamin B complex, coenzymes Q10 and A, L-tyrosine, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, hops, skullcap, feverfew and passionflower. More rigorous scientific testing may be required to determine the true efficacy of these nutritional supplements.
Useful Nutritional Supplement
Hops may be one of the most useful nutritional supplements in treating the underlying cause of your TMJ disorder. Hops, notes naturopathic physician William A. Mitchell Jr., author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," is considered a hypnotic, or calmative -- a substance that helps reduce your stress and encourages restful sleep. Hops is known for its ability to treat your anxiety, nervousness, insomnia and toothaches. This nutritional supplement may also be helpful in treating ulcers and cardiovascular disorders.
Warning
TMJ disorders are often challenging to treat and require a multi-disciplinary approach. If you develop pain in your jaw joints or jaw muscles, grind your teeth at night or experience frequent headaches, report to your family physician for a thorough evaluation of your TMJ health and function. Nutritional supplements are often used in treating TMJ problems, but certain nutritional supplements may cause undesirable health effects, particularly if they are not used according to your doctor's instructions.
References
- American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
- MayoClinic.com: TMJ Disorders
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
