TMJ refers to your temporomandibular joint, or jaw joint. TMJ disorder is a painful condition of that joint due to stress, an injury, teeth grinding, muscle strain, fibromyalgia or arthritis. If you suffer from TMJ disorder, you may feel pain in your head, jaws and teeth, chewing may be difficult, and you may grind your teeth during sleep. Drugs and herbs may relieve some of the symptoms, but consult your dentist for a diagnosis before starting drug or herbal treatment.
Drug and Herbal Actions
People with TMJ disorder are likely to need relief from headaches, sore jaw and gum inflammation. Herbs and drugs that control pain and reduce inflammation may be useful for temporary relief. TMJ disorder can last for months, so it's important to check with a qualified practitioner for advice about using drugs and herbs long term.
Passionflower
Passionflower, or Passiflora incarnata, is a perennial creeping vine with delicate white or purple flowers. Herbalists use the leaves and stems to treat insomnia, nervous conditions and gastrointestinal problems. The active ingredients include maltol and ethylmaltol, which affect the central nervous system, and have sedative and antispasmodic action. In their 2000 book, "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," Dr. James F. Balch and certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch recommend passionflower for TMJ disorder for its calming effects and to reduce stress. Passionflower may relax jaw muscles and help reduce teeth grinding. Do not combine this herb with other sleeping aids or tranquilizers.
Frankincense Tree
Frankincense tree, or Boswellia sacra, is a small deciduous tree that produces a fragrant medicinal resin known as frankincense. Traditional healers use the resin for circulatory problems, pain and insomnia. In their 2009 book, "Medicinal Plants of the World," botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink explain that frankincense contains boswellin, which inhibits an enzyme involved in inflammation. The Balches advise treating TMJ disorder with boswellia to reduce inflammation and restore blood vessels around the inflamed tissue in your jaw joint. Do not use during pregnancy.
Drugs
There are prescription and over-the-counter drugs that may give you temporary relief. Mayoclinic.com recommends painkillers, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, for pain, and corticosteroids for inflammation. Corticosteroids may have to be injected into the joint to be effective. Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline or nortriptyline may also relieve pain, but require a prescription. Muscle relaxants may help with pain and inflammation. Discuss these possibilities with your doctor, keeping in mind the possible side effects of using these drugs long term.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, and James F. Balch, M.D.; 2000
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
- MayoClinic.com: TMJ Disorders: Treatment and Drugs
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