Saturday, October 24, 2009

TMJ Cure: TMJ Exercises

By Bart Icles

Temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJ disorder or simply TMJ is one of the most annoying medical conditions that any one of us can suffer from. It does not only affect the jaw joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull, it can also affect your back, ears, head, and neck when left untreated. The pain associated with TMJ can be so excruciating that it can affect and disrupt your breathing, eating, and sleep. A TMJ disorder can be caused by a lot of factors, including poor orthodontic work and natural shifting of the teeth. Some of the symptoms of this painful medical condition include clicking of the jaw, difficulty in opening and closing the mouth, jaw tightness, and jaw pain.

There are many ways to cure TMJ disorders. There are surgical ways and natural ways. There are also medications that help alleviate the pain felt by those suffering from TMJ. More recently, TMJ exercises have become popular remedies for TMJ pain. They do not require any monetary investment and they can be performed at any time of the time and in any comfortable place.

One of the most common TMJ exercises involves placing your tongue on the roof of your mouth. Try to open your mouth wide while keeping your mouth in place. Breathe in slowly for two counts then breathe out slowly for two counts as well. Release this position then repeat the whole process ten times. You can also take your fist and press it against the right side of your jaw, just below the hinge. Then, press your jaw against your fist as well and try to maintain a steady pressure. Holding this position for ten seconds should help relax your muscles. Release this position then repeat it ten times before doing the whole process with your other jaw.

Another exercise involves using your fingers to press your jaw on each side. Apply the same amount of pressure on both sides. Open your jaw slowly while not letting it click. Should your jaw click, release this position then start all over again, opening your mouth more slowly this time.

There are still many TMJ exercises that you can do for a few minutes each day in any place which you find comfortable. You can ask your doctor about these TMJ exercises and they can also show you how to properly perform them. You might need to do some of the exercises at least twice a day to have the best results, while there are also some that you can perform when needed.

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