Bend, Oregon, is home to some of the most scenic natural beauty in the United States. With its pristine mountains and lush forests, it’s no wonder outdoor enthusiasts come from all over the world to mountain bike, hike, and camp. However, if you suffer from temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), these activities can be tough to enjoy. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how you can manage TMJ while hiking and biking outdoors in Bend.
What is TMJ?
TMJ is a common condition that affects one or both of the temporomandibular joints, which are located on each side of your jaw. Symptoms of TMJ often include pain, tenderness, difficulty chewing, and an uncomfortable or brief locking of the jaw when speaking, eating, or yawning. TMJ can also be associated with headaches, muscle pain, and grinding or clicking noises in the jaw.
How is TMJ caused?
TMJ is most commonly caused by teeth grinding (bruxism), misaligned teeth, jaw injury, or stress. Regardless of what causes your TMJ, it is important to take care when participating in outdoor activities, such as hiking or biking. Activities that require a lot of jaw strength can exacerbate TMJ symptoms and cause your pain to increase.
Preparation before outdoor activities
Before you set off on a hike or bike ride in Bend, there are several things you should do to prepare for your outdoor activity to minimize the severity of TMJ symptoms. If you’re experiencing pain, consider taking over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to help alleviate the discomfort. Heat or ice therapy may also be helpful for reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation in the jaw. Additionally, make sure you choose a gentle trail or route for your outdoor activity, and be sure to wear well-fitting, supportive shoes.
Proper technique while hiking and biking
When hiking or biking in Bend, it’s important to practice proper technique to reduce strain on your jaw. When hiking, walk with your head slightly up and your shoulders back to promote good posture, and avoid overexerting your jaw muscles by talking excessively. When biking, be sure to adjust your handlebars to a comfortable position so that you’re not required to overextend your neck and jaw. Also, make sure to take frequent breaks to stretch your neck, shoulders, and back to help reduce tension in your jaw.
Use appropriate gear
In order to further reduce strain on your jaw while hiking and biking, it’s important to ensure you have the appropriate gear. While practicing these outdoor activities, make sure to wear a properly-fitting bicycle helmet, and use a bicycle that provides a comfortable fit to reduce stress on your jaw. For hiking, make sure to wear supportive footwear and use trekking poles to help reduce the impact on your knees and ankles and take some of the work off of your jaw joint.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a great place to experience the great outdoors, or you’re just enjoying the natural beauty, Bend is the perfect destination. However, if you suffer from TMJ, it’s important to prepare properly for any outdoor activities to minimize the severity of your symptoms.
To do this, begin by managing your symptoms with proper over-the-counter medications, heat therapy, and ice therapy. Then, practice proper technique while hiking and biking by maintaining good posture, choosing gentle trails, and taking regular breaks. Additionally, be sure to use the appropriate gear for your activity to further reduce jaw strain. By taking these simple steps, you can better manage your TMJ symptoms and enjoy all that Bend has to offer.