Choose the Right Home Treatment for TMJ Head Pain

The TMJ or the temporomandibular joint is the area right in front of the ears where the upper jaw and the lower jaw meet.  The TMJ helps with jaw movements like opening and closing that are vital in activities like speaking, singing and eating.

This joint is therefore one of the most frequently used of all joints in the body.  A misalignment of the jaw, swelling in the joint or plain muscle tension in the joints can lead to neck stiffness, ear pain, clicking sounds, locked jaw or headaches.

TMJ syndrome is a condition that should be taken seriously and aggravation of the disorder can be avoided and the pain it causes in different parts of the body can be prevented with a number of simple home treatments.

Applying hot or cold compress to the affected area can relieve pain and soothes muscle tension and spasm.  Compress temperature that give relief varies between people and sometimes warm compresses work and other times, cold compresses does the trick.

Facial massage and exercise is also beneficial in the relaxation of jaw joints and muscles.  Blood flow is increased and pain is alleviated and also, in regular exercise, the body’s natural pain killers, endorphins, are released making it easier for TMJ pain and headaches to go away.

A hot bath can also work in relieving pain in the TMJ and pain from headaches.  Steer clear of yawning, chewing gum or any activity that puts a lot of strain on the jaw.  As mentioned, the TMJ is one of the most frequently used joints of the body.  Cut food into smaller pieces and take small bites when you eat.

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Lessen intake of food that is crunchy, chewy and hard like nuts, taffy and candy.  Don’t open your mouth too wide in yawning.  When manageable, perform lower jaw exercises to increase range of motion of the jaw and strength the jaw in the process.  These exercises don’t go for more than five minutes and can be very beneficial.  Drink lots of water and fluids to ease headaches and keep the body hydrated.

Stress is the leading trigger to headaches and migraines and there is scientific evidence that points to it triggering TMJ pain also.  Jaw stiffness and headaches are caused by muscle spasms and tension that are rooted in stress.  Other people clench their teeth in stressful moments and even grind their teeth at night when they sleep aggravating the TMJ.

Meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga are good stress-relieving activities that one can practice in order to relax and reduce muscle tension.  Avoid drinking too much coffee or any other drink with caffeine in it.  Caffeine is a stimulant that makes the body react to stress in a more tensed up manner making TMJ pain and headaches worse.

Evaluate your sleeping position and overall posture in sitting or eating.  Lie flat on your back so there is no stress put on the jaw that could lead to headaches.  Sit with your back straight and breathe while you chew, if there is more oxygen in the body, the blood is more energized so the body can perform activities like chewing better and with a clearer head, no headaches are in sight as well.