Do you have an active lifestyle, but feel that TMJ is getting in the way? You’re not alone. Thousands of people experience TMJ, and often it can appear as a barrier when trying to pursue activities such as hiking, paddling, or climbing in Bend, Oregon. Living an active lifestyle in Bend requires being healthy all-around, and TMJ symptoms can affect your ability to enjoy the outdoor sports offered proximity. But don’t let this hold you back! There are plenty of ways for outdoor enthusiasts in Bend to manage TMJ symptoms so that they can continue doing what they love. In this article, we’ll explore how to manage TMJ in an active lifestyle so that you can get back to enjoying Bend’s natural beauty.
What is TMJ?
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, also known as TMJ, is a condition where the joints and muscles that attach the lower jaw to the upper part of the skull aren’t functioning properly. This can cause pain, stiffness, muscle aches and spasms, swelling, and a variety of other symptoms in the jaw area as well as other parts of the body.
Causes of TMJ
TMJ can be caused by a variety of factors. In some cases, it may occur due to overuse of the jaw muscles, poor posture, or overuse of the mouth and jaw. In other cases, it may be due to injury of the jaw joint or surrounding tissues. In some people, TMJ can also occur due to underlying health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, or osteoarthritis.
How TMJ Can Affect an Active Lifestyle
TMJ can affect an active lifestyle in a number of ways. For some people, even the most basic activities such as chewing or talking can be difficult or painful. For others, the condition may affect their ability to enjoy outdoor sports such as hiking, paddling, or climbing, as it can cause pain in the jaw and neck area. For these people, managing TMJ symptoms is important in order to keep them active and able to enjoy the natural beauty that Bend has to offer.
Treating and Managing TMJ for Active Lifestyles
There are a variety of ways for outdoor enthusiasts in Bend to manage TMJ symptoms so they can continue doing what they love. Here are a few things people can do to keep their TMJ symptoms in check:
Muscle Relaxation Techniques
Muscle relaxation techniques such as yoga, stretching, and deep breathing can help to reduce muscle tension and improve overall flexibility. For people with TMJ, these techniques can be especially helpful as they can help to reduce muscle tension in the jaw and neck area, thereby reducing the likelihood of experiencing TMJ symptoms during activities.
Massage
Massage is an effective way to reduce muscle tension and improve circulation throughout the body. For people with TMJ, regular massage sessions can help to reduce the likelihood of experiencing TMJ symptoms during outdoor sports activities. In addition, getting a massage on a regular basis can also help to improve overall relaxation and reduce stress levels, both of which can help to reduce the risk of experiencing TMJ symptoms.
Warm-up and Cool-down
Before engaging in outdoor sports activities, it’s important to take the time to warm up and stretch. This will help to reduce muscle tension and improve overall flexibility. After exercising, taking the time to cool down and stretch can help to reduce muscle tension and improve circulation. This will also help to reduce the risk of experiencing TMJ symptoms.
Eating a Balanced Diet
Eating a balanced diet can help to reduce the risk of experiencing TMJ symptoms. In addition, consuming foods that are rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, and vitamin E can help to reduce inflammation in the body. This can help to reduce the likelihood of experiencing TMJ symptoms during activities.
Stress Management Techniques
Chronic stress can lead to muscle tension and pain, and can exacerbate TMJ symptoms. For outdoor enthusiasts in Bend, managing stress levels is especially important as it can help to reduce the risk of experiencing TMJ symptoms. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and relaxation exercises can help to reduce stress levels and promote overall relaxation. This can help to reduce the likelihood of experiencing TMJ symptoms.
The Bottom Line
Living an active lifestyle in Bend requires being healthy all-around, and TMJ symptoms can make it difficult to enjoy outdoor sports. However, there are plenty of ways for outdoor enthusiasts in Bend to manage TMJ symptoms so that they can continue doing what they love. Muscle relaxation techniques such as yoga, stretching, and deep breathing, massage therapy, warm-up and cool-down, eating a balanced diet, and stress management techniques can all help to reduce the likelihood of experiencing TMJ symptoms. By incorporating these activities and techniques into your daily routine, you can keep TMJ symptoms in check and get back to enjoying Bend’s natural beauty.