What the heck is temporomandibular joint syndrome, or TMJ for short? The temporomandibular joint is a formation of bone at the base of the skull running to each side of the head where the lower and upper jaws meet, just in front of the ears. The TMJ’s are complex and composed of bones, tendons and muscles, which in turn each contribute to the smooth operation of the TMJ. If you press your fingers on the triangular structure in front of the ears and open and close the jaw, the movement felt is from the TMJ. You can also feel the joint motion if you put your fingers against the inside front part of the ear canal. This can bring about significant discomfort to a person who is experiencing TMJ problems. You might also hear some clicking and popping while doing this. The TMJ aids in the closing and opening of the mouth. We make use of it whenever we eat, drink, chew, speak or smile. The TMJ is one of the most frequently used body joints and therefore problems with it as well as muscle tension and swelling can cause big problems. Tmj Syndrome is a acute and typically painful condition. It can be brought on by overuse, inflammation, and injuries. Stress can play a substantial part in TMJ because people that are stressed a lot of times grind their teeth and clench their jaws especially at night. Most of this is done unknowingly, but this puts a lot of pressure on the TMJ. Primary symptoms consist of an inflamed temporomandibular joint accompanied with tender surrounding muscles, bones and associated ligaments. Other symptoms consist of pain in and around the eyes, pain in the cheeks, chin and mouth, toothache, ear pain, hearing loss and tinnitus, headaches and dizzyness, sinus problems, locked jaws, and neck, shoulder and back pain. Sometimes numbness in the arms and fingers can be caused by the misalignment of the jaws and an incorrect bite, which puts undue stress on the muscles linked with the jaws, neck and the shoulder. Clicking and popping noises of the jaw are a frequent symptom of TMJ Syndrome and can be heard by people around you. You should at all times consult with a doctor or dentist if you are having any of these problems so they can make an accurate diagnosis, because a lot of these symptoms can be caused by other reasons. Most physicians will prescribe anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants. A lot of times dental splints will be suggested to to resolve jaw clenching and grinding of the teeth at night. Dental splints are additionally useful as a means of returning the jaw to a proper alignment. TMJ syndrome often responds to a number of natural home remedies that can help minimize or eliminate the discomfort caused by problems with this joint. Massaging all of the muscles around the temporomandibular joints after putting warm compresses on them. Massaging facial muscles increases blood flow and reduces pain. Becoming more perceptive of clenching your jaws and try to stop doing it. Trying to alleviate stress through exercise, meditation and practicing yoga. Steer clear of chewing gum or other foods that require a lot of chewing. Cut your food into smaller pieces and eat more soft foods. Try to yawn gently and not strain the jaws. Try to eliminate caffeine because the stimulating effects can add more stress and cause headaches. Most of these treatments whether doctor prescribed or homemade remedies, treat the symptoms , but not the root cause and thus the symptoms have a tendency of returning. There are natural holistic remedies that identify and eliminate the root cause thus eliminating the problem entirely.
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