Are you a musician who suffers from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain? If so, you know how it can make even the joy of music-making much less enjoyable. But don’t worry – there are treatments that can help reduce the pain and get you back to singing and playing your instrument. Read on to learn about common treatments for musicians experiencing TMJ pain.
What Is the TMJ?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the part of the body connecting your jaw to your skull. When these joints become inflamed, it can lead to pain and discomfort, particularly when talking or eating. Some of the symptoms of TMJ include jaw pain, headaches, earaches, jaw clicking or popping, and difficulty chewing food.
Why Do Musicians Often Experience TMJ Pain?
There are many complicated scientific reasons why musicians are more likely to develop TMJ pain. Some theorize that certain instruments, such as the flute, saxophone, or clarinet, place stress on head and neck muscles, which can lead to TMJ pain over time. Others believe that the repetitive muscle movements required by musicians, especially those who play wind instruments, can cause damage to the jaw structures.
Non-Medical Treatments for TMJ Pain
Practice Good Posture
One of the most important steps musicians can take to prevent or reduce TMJ pain is to practice good posture when playing their instruments. Stand or sit up straight and keep your head, neck, and back aligned comfortably. A bad posture can put extra stress on your muscles and joints and increase the risk of developing TMJ pain. Luckily, practicing good posture can help prevent it as well.
Stretch Before and After Playing
Stretching is an incredibly important part of preventing TMJ pain. While it can seem like a minor step, just a few minutes of good stretching can make a big difference in the amount of pain you feel while playing your instrument.
Before playing, take a few minutes to do some gentle jaw stretches. Open your mouth wide and move the jaw side to side. This will help relax the muscles in your jaw and neck and reduce the chances of developing TMJ pain. After playing, take another few minutes for some light neck and jaw stretches to help relax the muscles and reduce the amount of discomfort.
Practice Good Mouth Care
Maintaining proper oral health is also important for anyone – musician or not – who suffers from TMJ pain. Inflamed joints and muscles in the mouth can be easily aggravated by chemical-based toothpaste and mouthwash. Instead, try using one of the many all-natural products available. These are not only gentler on your mouth, but they’re also much better suited for anyone with inflamed TMJs.
Treatments for TMJ Pain
While the treatments mentioned above should be used regularly to help prevent pain in the TMJs, some people need a bit of extra help. Regular treatments can help alleviate some of the pain and help prevent it from getting worse over time.
Mouth Guard
Mouth guards are commonly used by athletes who play high-contact sports. However, it can also be very helpful for musicians who experience TMJ pain. Over-the-counter mouth guards can help protect the mouth and jaw while playing, and can be especially helpful for pianists and other instrumentalists who perform with a lot of force.
Hot/Cold Therapy
Applying heat or ice to the affected area can also help reduce pain in the TMJs. Some people find a heat pack to be the most effective, while others prefer to use ice. Switching between the two can also be a good way to help relax the muscles and reduce inflammation.
Medical Treatments for TMJ Pain
For some people, the non-medical treatments mentioned above won’t be enough to reduce pain in the TMJs. Luckily, there are some medical treatments that can help, including:
Medication
Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can be helpful in reducing pain and inflammation in your jaw joints. However, some people with severe TMJ pain may require a stronger prescription medication. Consult with Dr. Mingus to determine which medications would be best for you.
Splints and Night Guards
Splints and night guards are dental devices that some people with TMJ pain find helpful. Splints are fitted to the top or bottom set of teeth and help prevent the teeth from touching, while night guards are worn while sleeping to help reduce jaw clenching and grinding. These devices help spread the work of chewing more evenly over the teeth and can help reduce jaw tension, inflammation, and the associated pain.
Treatment for Musicians
Musicians who experience TMJ pain should try some of the above treatments to see if they are helpful. From good posture, stretching, and hot/cold therapy, to mouth guards and medical treatments such as splints and night guards, there are many options to help reduce pain in the TMJs so you can get back to making beautiful music without discomfort.
Ready to treat your TMJ pain? Give Dr. Mingus a call today!