Bend, Oregon is a beautiful place to live and work, with its natural beauty and active lifestyle. However, for many of its residents who suffer from a common condition called TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), the activities that make Bend so special can also contribute to pain and discomfort. Fortunately, there are several TMJ pain management techniques that Bend’s active residents can use to help them better enjoy their lives.
What is TMJ?
TMJ is an acronym that stands for temporomandibular joint, which essentially means the jaw joint. TMJ disorder is a painful condition that affects the jaw muscles and joints. The most common symptom of TMJ is pain in the jaw joint, but it can also cause excessive jaw clicking or popping, restricted movement, and other uncomfortable symptoms. TMJ can be caused by a variety of things, including grinding or clenching of the teeth (bruxism), jaw muscle tension, stress, or trauma to the jaw.
TMJ Pain Management Techniques
Fortunately, there are several techniques that can be used to manage TMJ pain for Bend’s active residents. These techniques include home treatments, physical therapy, and dental treatments.
Home treatments
Home treatment can be very effective for relieving TMJ pain. The most common home treatment for TMJ is to use ice packs or hot packs to help reduce swelling and relieve pain in the jaw joints and muscles, as well as in the surrounding areas. Residents who suffer from TMJ can also try to relax their muscles by practicing the following techniques:
– Gentle jaw stretching exercises
– Relaxation exercises such as deep-breathing, meditation, or biofeedback
– Learning techniques for managing stress
Physical therapy
Physical therapy is an important part of TMJ pain management for Bend’s active residents. This form of treatment can help to improve jaw function, reduce pain, and increase range of motion. Physical therapy techniques include:
– Stretching and strengthening exercises for the jaw and face muscles
– Myofascial release, or massage to help release tight muscles in the jaw
– Manual therapy to help improve joint movement
Dental treatments
Many residents who suffer from TMJ can benefit from dental treatments as well. Dentists can provide various treatments aimed at helping to relieve pain, such as:
– Custom-made dental splints to relax the jaw muscles and reduce clenching
– Bite adjustment procedures to help balance the bite and reduce strain on the jaw joint
– Tooth replacement with dentures to correct jaw alignment and reduce pain
Using TMJ Pain Management Techniques in Bend
Bend’s active residents can use the TMJ pain management techniques described above to help them better enjoy their healthy and active lifestyles. Residents who are experiencing TMJ pain should see a dentist or a doctor to discuss treatment options, as well as to learn more about how to best manage their condition. With the help of home treatments, physical therapy, and dental treatments, Bend’s active residents can successfully relieve their TMJ pain and enjoy the activities that make Bend such a special place to live.