Natural Techniques to Sooth TMJ Pain

A few days ago I went to see my dentist for my biannual exam and cleaning and while I was there I mentioned some clicking and pain in my jaw. After discussing my symptoms, he mentioned that TMJ was the likely culprit and that we will have to do some further testing, but I could start trying some natural techniques to soothe my pain. These techniques involve no drugs or medical intervention so I figured I would give them a try to see if they would help to make things like chewing and talking less uncomfortable. Here I will discuss what these are and if they have helped me yet.

Meditation

This is a technique I have always considered trying for pain and stress, but never took the time for. Meditation is used to calm the body and mind and in terms of TMJ, it is believed that it can help to relax the muscles in the jaw and face, and in turn, help to alleviate some of the pain. The overall relaxation felt during this technique may help to provide long-term relief from pain. Now, I am still learning to meditate so I have not experienced any pain relief yet. However, I have only been trying for a few days.

Yoga

Yoga is already something I regularly practice. I do experience some pain relief from my spinal-related pain and muscle-related pain when practicing yoga. Since developing what is believed to be TMJ, however, I have not noticed any less jaw pain after a yoga session.

Deep Breathing

Deep breathing has always worked to calm me, but has never been an effective pain reliever for me. My dentist says that some of his patients say it works and others say it doesn't. For me, it doesn't.

What Does Work for Me

In the last few days, I have been working to avoid chewy foods and have pretty much been sticking to soft foods like soups, yogurt and meal replacement shakes. Not the most sustaining of diets, but the pain is down by about 60 percent by eating this way. I will see a doctor again in a few days to get some official news and more information on what I need to do to keep the pain and stiffness at bay. Also, I have been talking less and this seems to help. In a nutshell, I have been using my jaw as little as possible.

Resources

WebMD: Temporomandibular Disorders