5 Ways to Manage TMJ Disorder! Ask a Singapore Chiropractor

A TMJ disorder brings stiffness, pain, or a burning sensation that starts from your jaw and radiates towards your ears and neck. It is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is a joint that allows you to speak, chew, and yawn. It can open, close, and slide from side to side.

TMD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) is a common condition that can you can deal with through the application of different methods. I am a TMJ chiropractor Singapore, and here are my five suggestions to help you deal with your TMJ pain at the most reasonable price.

#1: Dental Options

Some dental issues might be related to TMJ pain, and resolving these issues may help with your symptoms. If you are experiencing the following conditions, you may go to your dentist for treatment:

· Bruxism

Some jaw problems arise from the grinding of teeth, especially at night while asleep. This is called bruxism. To prevent this, you can use a custom-fit mouthguard.

· Jaw abnormalities

Jaw deformities or underdevelopment of the jaw can cause problems; thus, they need to be resolved and set correctly to ease the symptoms.

· Braces

Extremely misaligned teeth can interfere with the opening and closing of your mouth and may place your jaw in unnatural angles when chewing or speaking. Braces can help correct these issues.

#2: Stress Management

The excessive clenching of your jaw may be due to stress; thus, proper stress management is vital in maintaining the health of your mouth and jaw. To break this habit, you can take up healthier hobbies to cope with your stress. These may include:

• Stretching
• Exercising
• Starting a new hobby
• Engaging in art
• Talking to a trusted friend
• Meditation and spiritual healing

#3: Home Remedies

There are several home remedies you can do to relieve your TMJ pain:

· Applying ice

Ice can help ease the pain if inflammation causes it. Wrap an ice pack in a towel so that it does not directly touch your skin.

· Massaging

There are jaw massage techniques that can be taught by your general practitioner, dentist, or chiropractor to relieve the pain by yourself when you’re at home.

· Stretching

There may also be jaw stretches prescribed by your physician to keep your jaw limber.

· Eating soft food

Giving your jaw a break from overuse by eating soft food can help heal your jaw pain naturally.

#4: Medical Interventions

Traditional western medicine treatments such as taking medications, injections, or having surgery can be used to treat TMJ disorder.

· Medications

There are no medications that directly treat TMJ disorder, but certain medications can target their symptoms. Muscle relaxers can be prescribed to dull the pain, while anti-anxiety medicines can be administered to reduce stress levels, which helps if your TMJ pain is caused by bruxism due to stress.

· Injections

There is research that tests the effectiveness of Botox in reducing pain, and it shows to be of some kind of help for conditions such as migraines and TMJ problems. Corticosteroids can also be administered to reduce inflammation. It is important to research possible adverse effects of these invasive procedures before having them performed.

· Surgeries

Being the most invasive procedure of them all, TMJ surgery should only be the last resort. Even if other options don’t work, you should still weigh out the risks of having surgery. Discuss your concerns and questions with your doctor before undergoing any procedure.

#5: Alternative Remedies

Some people might be skeptical when they hear the term alternative medicine, but there are actually some remedies that are proven to be just as helpful in relieving jaw pain for those with TMJ disorders, such as the following:

· Physical therapy

Your doctor may send you to a physical therapist to learn some stretches and jaw exercises that can help with your condition.

· Massage therapy

Aside from the physical therapist, a licensed massage therapist can also assist you with the more advanced jaw massage techniques.

· Acupuncture

Acupuncture does not only involve sticking needles where it hurts. If you’re afraid of needles being stuck to your jaw, you can first ask your acupuncturist if that would even be a part of the procedure. Acupuncture points are often not directly on the area of pain.

· Upper Cervical Chiropractic for TMJ Problems

Despite the rest of the spine being nowhere near the jaw, the top two bones of the neck are close enough that it can have a profound effect. Do note that TMJ pain often radiates to the neck. Treating the bones of the neck is a possible solution. Upper cervical chiropractic is a niche that deals with these specific areas of the neck and spine.

Understandably, a lot of people have not heard of upper cervical chiropractic. It is a relatively unknown but effective way to treat issues of the upper neck and TMJ disorder.

Read about Causes of Neck Problems, here.

Upper cervical chiropractic is especially suited for those who have a history of head or neck trauma, which can easily cause a misalignment in the top bones of the spine. By correcting this issue, it allows the body to heal naturally and provide long-term relief. You may visit us at Vitality Chiropractic Centres Singapore or call (+65) 8438 9550 to schedule an appointment.

Since 2013, Upper Cervical Chiropractor, DC. Shaan Rai helped patients achieve greater health, relocating to Singapore in 2016 and founding Vitality Chiropractic Centres. He has an impressive track record in providing relief and solutions for people who experience nerve system problems, such as headaches, migraines, dizziness, vertigo or neurological conditions.

Take your life back.

For a Complimentary, no-obligation call with our Singapore chiropractor or to book a Consultation, call +65 8438 9550 or email]help@vitalitychiropracticcentres.com to find out if we can help you at our Chiropractic Clinic in Singapore.