If you’re a yoga practitioner in Bend and experiencing TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain, it’s important to be mindful of your practice to prevent further discomfort. One of the most important things to remember is to keep the jaw relaxed during your practice, and to take advantage of low-impact yoga poses to reduce any potential strain.
In this article, we’ll cover some helpful tips for reducing and preventing TMJ pain within your practice as a yoga practitioner in Bend. We’ll also cover a few safe and gentle yoga poses to incorporate into your practice to help soothe any existing discomfort.
Tips for Reducing TMJ Pain during Yoga Practice:
Keep the Jaw Relaxed: The most important thing to remember during each pose is to keep the jaw relaxed. Tightly clenching the teeth or the jaw can add pressure on the joints and cause discomfort. Be mindful of the jaw and its limitations, and avoid forcing the jaw to open too wide or close too hard.
Use Slow and Controlled Movements: When transitioning between poses, focus on using slow and controlled movements to prevent any sudden jerks or jerky movements. Doing this will keep your muscles limber while preventing any unnecessary strain or tension.
Avoid Extreme Back-bends: Extreme back-bends can add an uncomfortable amount of tension to the neck and jaw. To avoid over-exerting your muscles, stick with safe and gentle back-bends and be mindful of your body’s limitations.
Safe Yoga Poses to Incorporate into your Practice
Child’s Pose
Child’s Pose is a gentle yoga pose used to stretch out the legs, back and shoulders. This pose is particularly beneficial for reducing stress and tension in the jaw due to its relaxing and calming properties. To practice this pose, start on all fours and then sit back onto your heels with your arms stretched out in front of you. Then allow your head to slowly lower towards the ground. Feel free to use a cushion or block for support.
Seated Forward Bend
Seated Forward Bend is a calming and soothing yoga pose that stretches out the back, the hips, and the hamstrings. This pose is also quite beneficial for the jaw, as it helps release any tension that may be in the neck and shoulders. To practice this pose, sit on the floor with your legs extended out in front of you. As you exhale, slowly hinge forward from the hips to allow your chest to come towards your thighs. Feel free to use a cushion or block for support.
Supine Twist
Supine Twist is a gentle and restorative yoga pose meant to relieve tension in the back, the hips, and the neck. It’s also known to be quite beneficial for the jaw, as it helps release any built-up tension that may be stored in the muscles. To practice this pose, lay on your back with your arms out to the sides in a T-shape. Then gently sway your knees from side to side, allowing your head to follow.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing TMJ pain during your yoga practice in Bend, it’s important to take some time to be mindful of your movements and try out some low-impact poses to prevent further strain. Remember to keep the jaw relaxed, use slow and controlled movements, and avoid any extreme back-bends. Also, try incorporating gentle yoga poses such as Child’s Pose, Seated Forward Bend, and Supine Twist into your practice for some added relief. With these tips, you’ll be more comfortable and free from any discomfort while practicing yoga in Bend.