TMJD, or temporomandibular joint disorder (commonly referred to as simply TMJ), can be a painful problem for those who suffer from it. TMJ is a result of problems with the jaw joint and surrounding muscles associated with chewing and moving the jaw. For some with TMJ, it’s more of a nuisance when the jaw clicks upon opening it too wide; others, however, experience pain with chewing and may also grind their teeth during sleep, further exacerbating the problem. Luckily for those who do have TMJ, a natural remedy is available: acupuncture.
The temporomandibular joint is the hinge connecting the lower jaw to the skull, and it is located just below and in front of the ears. A disorder occurs when either the joint or the surrounding muscles fail to move smoothly. Although a definitive cause of TMJ is unknown, many things may contribute to problems, including grinding the teeth, an external injury, arthritis, and overall stress.
First Signs of TMJ Disorder
Since many of the functions of the body are interrelated or occur in overlapping areas, you will need to rule out other possibilities before beginning to treat TMJ. Pain and discomfort while chewing, opening and closing the mouth, or putting pressure on the jaw (such as when sleeping) are the first signs that you may be suffering from TMJ. However, a professional must first identify that the symptoms are not associated with sinus issues, muscular tension, or other injuries.
Diagnosing TMJ Disorder
At regular dental check-ups, the hygienist or dentist will check for signs of TMJ, including soreness, tightness, clicking, pain, or inflammation. The dental professional will complete a visual check and may also suggest x-rays to get a better look at the underlying issues. Often, a night guard will be assigned to diminish nighttime grinding, which is often associated with the symptoms of TMJ. In severe cases, a general dentist may provide a referral to an oral surgeon.
Treatment of TMJ Disorder
When the pain of TMJ is debilitating, there are a few things to try immediately to lessen the discomfort:
- Alternate ice packs and a warm towel to the area a few times a day. Ten minutes of cold followed by 5 minutes of warm.
- Avoid hard or crunchy foods to allow the jaw to rest.
- Stop chewing gum. The repetitive action can exacerbate symptoms.
- Take anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen.
- Wear a night guard to reduce or eliminate nighttime tooth grinding.
- Don’t rest your chin on your hands or hold the phone with your shoulder and ear.
There are some more aggressive treatments for TMJ when those don’t work, including:
- Nerve stimulation
- Ultrasound
- Trigger-point injections
But one option that allopathic physicians may not consider is acupuncture.
Acupuncture as a Treatment for TMJ Disorder
When you’ve exhausted your options using traditional methods of treating TMJ, or if you would rather skip right to a more natural approach, acupuncture may be the way. Acupuncture works because it gets right to the source of the issue and helps to relax the muscles so that blood can flow to where it needs to go. In addition to the use of needles, cupping can make a huge difference for people suffering with TMJ. The reason is that cupping pulls toxins and stagnant blood to the surface of the body so that fresh blood and nutrients can reach the TMJ joints and muscles. Cupping combined with acupuncture works much more quickly than just acupuncture alone. Herbal supplements can only enhance the overall effectiveness and may be incorporated into an overall treatment plan.
If you are suffering from pain in your jaw and think it might be TMJ disorder, schedule an appointment for a complete assessment and to begin using acupuncture, cupping, and Chinese herbs to eliminate the problems. Call 602-955-5444 for more information.
