Simple activities like speaking or eating might become challenging if your jaw is tight, uncomfortable, or clicking. The temporomandibular joints (TMJ), which connect your jawbone to your skull, are frequently the cause of these symptoms.
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a common cause of chronic jaw discomfort that can result from straining or inflammation of these joints.
In this article, we’ll look at what TMJ and TMD are, what causes them, what symptoms to watch for, and, most importantly, how to get long-term jaw pain relief with effective treatments and lifestyle modifications.
Table of Contents
What Are The Temporomandibular Joints (TMJ)?
The two joints that attach your lower jaw to your skull are called temporomandibular joints (TMJ). They are, more precisely, the joints that slide and rotate in front of each ear and are made up of the temporal bone (the side and base of the skull) and the mandible (the lower jaw). The TMJs are among the body’s most complex joints. The mandible may move forward and backward, side to side, and up and down thanks to these joints and some muscles. Chewing, talking, yawning, and swallowing are examples of smooth muscle movements that can occur when the mandible and the joints are in the right alignment. Many issues might arise if these structures, from the muscles, to the ligaments, disks, jaw bones, and temporal bones, are not in alignment nor synchronized in movement.
What Is Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)?
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are disorders of the TMJ and the nerves associated with chronic facial pain.
TMD can arise from any issue that prevents the complex structure of muscles, bones, and joints from functioning harmoniously.
The following criteria are used to categorize TMD:
- Myofascial pain: It is the most common form of TMD. It causes pain or discomfort in the muscles that regulate the function of the jaw, neck, and shoulders as well as in the fascia, which is the connective tissue that covers the muscles.
- Internal joint derangement. This indicates damage to the condyle, the rounded end of the jaw bone that articulates with the temporal skull bone, or a dislocated jaw or displaced disk, which is the cushion of cartilage between the head of the jaw bone and the skull.
- Degenerative joint disease. This includes rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis of the jaw joint.
You can have one or more of these conditions at the same time.
What causes TMD?
The exact cause of TMD is often unclear. Sometimes the major cause is excessive strain on the jaw joints and the muscle group that regulates chewing, swallowing, and speaking.
Other conditions that can cause this pain include:
- Bruxism.
- Involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth.
- Head, neck, or jaw injuries.
- Arthritis.
- Displacement of the jaw joint disks.
In some instances, TMD pain can combine with or become worse by another severe medical condition, such as fibromyalgia or irritable bowel syndrome.
A person may be more vulnerable to chronic TMD due to other clinical, psychological, sensory, genetic, and neurological system factors.
How To Get Jaw Pain Relief From TMD?
There are a few techniques that you can try to get jaw pain relief if you have TMD. We’ll give you a few methods that might help you.
Use both cold and hot packs
Because cold has a numbing effect, it might help numb the joint and reduce swelling if you suddenly have severe discomfort in your jaw, which could be an indication of inflammation.
However, persistent TMJ discomfort may be reduced with a warm, moist compress.
Consider getting a massage
In addition to relieving tension at a myofascial trigger point, massage therapy can help restore “neuromuscular harmony” between the muscles, joint, and tooth contact.
Stretch your jaw
Try to stretch your muscles four to six times a day. This could help release painful muscular contractions and stretch certain tense muscles.
Pay attention to your posture
Your jaw is one of the many problems that can result from poor posture. Straighten your posture and at night, sleep on your back as this is the best way to maintain your head, neck, and jaw in their natural alignment and relieve stress on your TMJ..
Reduce your tension
Try practicing some calming breathing exercises or listening to calming music if you’re feeling anxious to help you relax.
Steer clear of chewy foods
Eating chewy or crunchy food while your TMJ is bothering is an absolute guarantee to make it worse. Take a little vacation from crunchy, chewy, and hard foods.
Over-the-counter painkillers
When your jaw or TMJ muscles hurt, the anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen can assist. It should only be used for a week or two at most. If the discomfort continues after that, try to schedule a dentist visit.
Read More: TMJ Disorder Diagnosis.
Conclusion
Understanding the root cause of your discomfort is the first step towards finding effective jaw pain relief. Finding the underlying cause is essential for long-term rehabilitation since TMD can arise from things like stress, bad posture, or misaligned jaws.
Tension and inflammation may be considerably decreased by adopting easy practices like extending your jaw, controlling stress, correcting your posture, and avoiding hard meals.
For a thorough assessment and individualized treatment plan, you must see a dentist like Davinci Dental Clinic if your discomfort continues.
Read More: TMJ Exercises Recommended by the Dentist.
Frequently Asked Quesions
What is the best pain relief for jaw pain?
Combining self-care, over-the-counter medicine, and, for more severe cases, professional medical care is the best way to relieve jaw discomfort. See a doctor for stronger medication, physical therapy, or other treatments like mouthguards if the discomfort doesn't go away.
Which doctor is best for jaw pain?
Dentists are experts who are trained in the architecture of the jaw and may diagnose bite dysfunction in addition to treating your teeth. TMJ discomfort is complicated, and a qualified dentist can assist identify the root cause of your condition and symptoms that you might not even be aware are brought on by jaw misalignment.
What pain reliever to take for jaw pain?
Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers: NSAIDs, such ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, can help lessen TMJ discomfort and inflammation. Also, analgesics like acetaminophen help people with TMD feel less pain.
