Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders pertain to conditions affecting the jaw joints as well as the surrounding muscles and ligaments. It could be because of trauma, improper bite, arthritis, or wear and tear. If you feel pain in your jaw, you might want to try yoga for TMJ. Check out the video below to know how to feel relief from your jaw pain!
Suzanne writes in the comments:
Thank you. I found this very relaxing on being told yesterday the extreme pain I have is caused by TMJ. I will be adding this to my usual yoga practice. The discovering of the little socket at back of head is very useful ????????
Just be cautious, however, that if the pain becomes unbearable, you should seek the help of a professional! Remember also that it is best to do this sequence before you go to bed and after waking up.
What To Do In Yoga For TMJ
The first thing you do in this sequence is to find a comfortable area where you can sit. You can sit on a yoga mat or on a chair as long as you have a straight back when sitting.
Relax the roof of your mouth, then your jaw, and the left and right joints of the jaw. Inhale and exhale then relax your shoulders. Usually, the stiffness on your jaw could be because of the tightness around your shoulders and your neck.
So, loosen the area and open it up to help with your jaw pain. Check the video to see the exercises you need to do to relax your neck, head, and shoulders.
The next thing you will do is to transition to downward facing dog and then the upward facing dog. Do this a couple of times. Take a brief child’s pose before continuing with this yoga for TMJ sequence.
Popular TMJ Disorders Treatment
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are painful conditions that affect the jaw and surrounding area. Fortunately, there are a number of treatments available to help alleviate symptoms, allowing sufferers to lead healthy, happy lives.
Beside yoga, medication is commonly used to provide relief from TMJ pain and other related symptoms. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can reduce swelling and lessen discomfort while muscle relaxants may be prescribed to ease muscle tension.
In some cases, oral corticosteroids may also be prescribed if more conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief.
Physical therapy is often recommended for TMJ disorder patients as well, and can include specific exercises designed to strengthen the jaw muscles, improve range of motion, and increase flexibility.
Additionally, lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding certain types of foods or speaking more quietly than normal may help reduce stress on the jaw joints over time.
In more severe cases of TMJ disorder where medication is not providing enough relief or when surgery is being considered, bite correction therapy may be advised.
This treatment seeks to realign the position of the teeth in order to reduce pressure on the joints, something that has been found to significantly reduce symptoms in many cases.
No matter what type of treatment plan you pursue for your TMJ disorder, it’s important to stay consistent with your doctor’s recommendations in order to get long-term results.
Please consult with your healthcare provider or yoga teacher for further advice regarding which treatments might be best suited for you.
