A Holistic Remedy for TMJD - jaw pain
It may be there when you wake up, worse yet it may wake you up; it is the pain associated with a common disorder known as TMJ, more accurately TMJD or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or dysfunction
What is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or dysfunction, or TMJD?
As the name describes, it is dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint. The "temporo" refers to the temple, "mandibular" refers to the jaw (mandible). It is the dysfunction of the joint of the jaw and the temple. The dysfunction is typically recognized only when there is pain present. However there are many people with slightly dysfunctional TMJ's that have little or no pain associated with the poor joint articulation.
How do you treat muscular TMJD?
First it should be explained that there are many more severe causes and conditions that are classified as TMJD learn more
Muscular hyperactivity, muscle spasm, muscular imbalance are the conditions where in medical massage or therapeutic body work may be of great benefit.
The Muscles Involved in TMJD
There are many muscles involved in the functioning of the temporomandibular joint. Directly involved in the functioning of the TMJ are the following muscles; masseter, temporalis, medial pterygoid, and the lateral pterygoid. When muscular pain is present the following muscles may become involved (indirectly) SCM (sternocleidomastoid), trapezius, the stylohyoid, omohyoid muscle as well as other cervical muscles can all be inflamed and or painful when there is dysfunction of the TMJ.
Massage, or Soft tissue manipulation as a holistic remedy
When TMJD is the result of muscular hypertonicity, massage may be effective. Gentle massage along with PNF or passive stretching.will surly help to relieve some if not all of the pain.
The massage will allow the musculature to release spasm or hypertension. Most likely there will also be trigger points that will need to be released or kneaded out.
Massage will help by lengthening the muscle fibers, increasing blood circulation, reducing local toxicity, softening of distal tissue through the neck and upper back
I have seen many cases of TMJD where neither drugs nor the use of any long term intervention was necessary.
When more care is necessary
There are some cases where when more care is necessary. To determine wether or not you need more intensive specialized care, please consult your family physician.
Prevention is the best medicine
Many steps to treat TMJ problems can prevent such problems in the first place:
* Maintain good posture, especially if you work all day at a computer. Rest frequently and change position, rest your hands and arms, and relieve stressed muscles.
* Learn relaxation techniques to reduce overall stress and muscle tension (topical application and inhalation of pure lavender oil, regular massage, or guided imagery may prove to be effective).
* Avoid eating hard foods and chewing gum.
* Drink plenty of water every day and get plenty of sleep.
* Use safety measures to reduce the risk of fractures and dislocations.
