With winter just around the corner, many people around the Bend area are gearing up for a season of hitting the ski slopes. While hitting the slopes can be an exhilarating and enjoyable experience, it can also be challenging for those who struggle with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. For some people, the act of skiing can exacerbate TMJ pain and lead to increased discomfort and reduced quality of life. Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to help navigate the slopes without experiencing TMJ pain. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the things that you can do to prevent TMJ pain while skiing.
Understanding TMJ Pain
Before we delve into the ways that environmental factors like skiing can impact TMJ pain, it’s important to first understand what TMJ pain is. The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is a hinge-like jaw joint located at the base of the skull. This joint is responsible for connecting the lower jaw to the skull, and it’s vital for normal jaw movement such as speaking, eating, and yawning. TMJ pain occurs when the muscles, ligaments, nerves, or joint tissue in and around the TMJ become inflamed and swollen, leading to pain, discomfort, and even difficulty swallowing.
Skiing and TMJ Pain
Skiing can be an enjoyable pastime for many people, but for those who struggle with TMJ pain, it can cause a lot of discomfort and discomfort. There are several reasons why skiing can exacerbate TMJ pain. Firstly, the physical exertion involved with skiing can put a lot of stress on the TMJ, leading to increased discomfort. Additionally, skiers are often exposed to cold temperatures and potentially strong winds, which can also trigger TMJ symptoms.
Preventing TMJ Pain While Skiing
While it’s understandable that those who struggle with TMJ pain may be hesitant about hitting the slopes, the good news is that there are several things that you can do to help prevent TMJ pain while skiing. Firstly, be sure to keep your head, neck, and shoulders properly aligned while skiing. This can help to ensure that the TMJ is properly supported and that the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tendons are allowed to function normally. If you’re struggling with maintaining proper posture while skiing, consider investing in a good pair of custom ski boots and ergonomically designed skis.
Additionally, be sure to take frequent breaks while skiing to give your jaw, neck, and shoulders a chance to rest. It’s important to listen to the signals that your body is sending you and take breaks as needed to avoid overexertion and potential injury. Finally, consider wearing a scarf or neck gaiter to help protect your skin from the cold and wind.
Dr. Mingus’s Tips for Navigating Bend’s Ski Slopes Without TMJ Pain
In addition to the aforementioned tips, there are a few other things that Dr. Mingus recommends to help those struggling with TMJ pain navigate the slopes without experiencing discomfort. Firstly, be sure to employ good self-care practices when skiing, such as staying hydrated and getting plenty of sleep the night before hitting the slopes. This can help to keep your body’s systems functioning optimally, including the TMJ and surrounding muscles.
Additionally, consider getting a good pre-ski massage. A trained therapist can help to relax the muscles of the jaw and neck, which can help to prevent the onset of TMJ symptoms. Finally, consider speaking with a physical therapist who can help you to develop proper exercise techniques that can help to reduce the risk of TMJ pain and even improve overall performance while skiing.
Conclusion
Hitting the slopes can be an exhilarating and enjoyable experience, but it can also be challenging for those who struggle with TMJ pain. Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to help prevent TMJ pain and improve overall ski performance while traipsing around Bend’s scenic ski slopes. From keeping proper alignment to employing good self-care practices and speaking with a physical therapist, there are several ways that you can keep your TMJ pain at bay while enjoying the great outdoors.