The TMJ No More™(The TMJ Solution) by Christian Goodman if you are suffering from the disorder of TMJ and problems related to tinnitus then The TMJ No More, written by Christian Goodman, can be very beneficial for you. Along with eradicating your health problems within a few days, it will also help in improving the quality of your life to a considerable level. This system is being used by more and more people all over the world to get rid of TMJ and tinnitus-related health problems within a few days just by doing some very easy and natural exercises.
What is the importance of jaw rest in TMJ recovery?
Jaw rest is also a vital component of TMJ recovery because it relieves tension on the jaw muscles and the TMJ, which causes pain, inflammation, and dysfunction. Resting the jaw from overuse, you are permitting the muscles and joints to recover and regain regular function. Why jaw rest is critical in recovery is explained below:
1. Muscle Tension and Strain Reduction
Muscles surrounding the TMJ, such as masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles, can contract and become tense with stress, bruxing or grinding and clenching of the teeth, and over-movement of the jaw. Rest to the jaw is relieving this muscular tension before additional stress on the tissues brings further discomfort.
Continuous overuse or strain of the jaw muscles can worsen TMJ pain and even create additional pain in the neck, shoulders, and head. Allowing the muscles a rest relaxes the muscle and allows it to heal.
2. Preventing Further Damage
Overuse or repeated stress to the TMJ will make the cartilage of the joint wear away or lead to inflammation and therefore deteriorate over time. Giving the jaw sufficient rest avoids such wear and tear as well as halts damage to the joint itself.
Jaw rest will also avoid secondary conditions such as temporomandibular disorders (TMD) or jaw joint osteoarthritis from being created by means of chronic stress.
3. Pain and Inflammation Reduction
Pain and inflammation in the TMJ can become worse due to continued jaw activity (such as eating, talking, or clenching). A rest to the jaw facilitates the inflamed tissues to rest and recover from inflammation, thus reducing the acute and chronic pain.
Cold packs or anti-inflammatory medications (with medical supervision) may also be useful during the resting phase to reduce any inflammation and allow the jaw to rest.
4. Jaw Healing Facilitation
Resting the jaw allows the body to heal tissues surrounding the TMJ. Strained cartilage and ligaments due to clenching or overuse may begin to heal during the resting phases, restoring the jaw to its normal functioning in the long term.
Giving the joint time to recover can speed up healing and possibly prevent future more invasive treatments.
5. Improved Jaw Function
As the TMJ is used or stressed on an ongoing basis, it can result in dysfunction, such as clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw. Resting the jaw will bring back smooth motion and improve the joint’s ability to move without discomfort.
Allowing the jaw muscles to recover may also help resolve muscle spasms and improve the coordination of the muscles involved in jaw movement.
6. Stopping Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Spontaneous grinding of the teeth, usually occurring at night or as a response to stress, is known as bruxism. Letting the jaw muscles rest can help suppress the need to grind or clench, thereby safeguarding the teeth and the TMJ from further destruction.
Night guard or splint wear at night, along with jaw rest, can protect the jaw from the effects of bruxism.
7. Facilitating the Healing of Associated Symptoms
TMJ disorders are often accompanied by headaches, neck discomfort, earaches, and shoulder tension. Jaw rest can relieve these symptoms by releasing tension in the jaw and the surrounding muscles, improving overall muscle relaxation and pain reduction.
Reducing the jaw’s workload will also minimize referred pain in the shoulders, neck, or face that may be due to TMJ dysfunction.
How to Practice Jaw Rest:
To effectively practice jaw rest while recovering from TMJ, apply these tips:
Limit jaw movement: Avoid actions with regular or excessive jaw movement, including chewing gum, eating hard foods, or yawn opening.
Munch on soft foods: Choose soft, easy-to-chew foods such as soups, smoothies, yogurt, mashed potatoes, or scrambled eggs that need less chewing effort.
Rest the jaw during the day: Avoid clenching your jaw while engaging in activities. Take extra efforts to loosen the jaw muscles during non-eating and non-speaking times.
Prevent teeth grinding: If you grind your teeth at night, use a night guard or splint to shield your teeth and jaw from undue pressure.
Practice relaxation techniques: Use deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation to reduce stress and minimize clenching or jaw tension.
Conclusion:
Resting the jaw is a key part of the healing process for TMJ disorders. It allows the jaw muscles and jaw joints to heal, reduces pain and swelling, prevents further injury, and can eventually return the jaw to proper function. In combination with other treatments such as physical therapy, relaxation, and good oral hygiene, resting the jaw can significantly improve TMJ symptoms and promote long-term healing.
Yes, acupuncture is a good treatment for TMJ disorders. Acupuncture is the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of energy, ease pain, and recover. Acupuncture has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat many ailments, including musculoskeletal and neurological disorders like TMJ.
This is how acupuncture treats TMJ disorders:
1. Pain Relief:
Acupuncture induces the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkilling hormones. These have been known to reduce the intensity of pain associated with TMJ in the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders.
The acupuncture points used in treatment of TMJ are generally located close to the neck and jaw muscles, where pain and tension from clenching, grinding, or tension from stress are generally experienced.
2. Relief from Muscle Tension:
TMJ disorders often involve tension or spasm of the muscles of the neck and jaw. Acupuncture can relax these muscles, enhancing motion and decreasing pain.
There are certain points used in acupuncture that are believed to release tension in the masseter muscle (the principal muscle involved in jaw movement) as well as other facial and neck muscles.
3. Increasing Blood Flow:
Acupuncture can potentially improve circulation to the affected area, such that oxygen and nutrients reach the muscles and adjacent tissues of the TMJ more efficiently. This can help aid in healing and reduce inflammation.
Greater blood flow can also diminish swelling and promote normal healing of traumatized jaw tissues.
4. Prevention of Jaw Clenching and Grinding
TMJ disorders are often exacerbated by bruxism (teeth grinding) or jaw clenching, especially at night or under stress. Acupuncture can relax the muscles involved in these habits and may reduce their frequency or intensity.
By addressing stress-related acupuncture points, it can also relieve emotional tension that causes bruxism.
5. Balancing Energy Flow (Qi):
In traditional Chinese medicine, vital energy, or Qi, is believed to flow along pathways called meridians. Dams or disruptions of Qi may result in pain and dysfunction, and body malfunction.
Acupuncture is intended to re-establish the unobstructed flow of Qi in the body, and it could be helpful in alleviating the energy imbalance in the jaw and neck area and improving the overall functioning of the TMJ.
6. Reducing Inflammation
Acupuncture has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can be particularly beneficial to those with TMJ disorders who have joint or surrounding tissue inflammation.
By reducing inflammation, acupuncture can improve jaw function and reduce pain associated with TMJ dysfunction.
7. Promoting General Relaxation:
Acupuncture not only treats physical symptoms but can also be calming and stress-reducing, and is a significant factor in many TMJ cases. Stress management can avoid the chronic clenching and grinding of the jaw.
8. Improving Sleep:
Since TMJ pain may be triggered by poor sleep (teeth grinding or jaw clenching), acupuncture can help enhance the quality of sleep. Enhanced sleep can help recover muscles and avoid TMJ flare-ups.
Effectiveness of Acupuncture for TMJ Disorders:
The effectiveness of acupuncture for TMJ disorders can vary from person to person. But most patients experience significant relief in symptoms such as reduced pain, enhanced jaw function, and less muscle tension after a few sessions. Some studies suggest that acupuncture can be an effective adjunct to other treatments, such as physical therapy, medications, or jaw exercises.
What to Expect:
Acupuncture treatment typically requires a series of sessions, with relief attained after two or three treatments by some patients, while others may need to have repeated sessions to maintain results.
The acupuncturist will typically treat points around the jaw, neck, temples, and shoulders depending on your condition.
Each session typically lasts 30-60 minutes since the needles are inserted and the patient gets to relax for a few minutes.
Conclusion:
Acupuncture is a helpful, surgical-free therapy for the treatment of TMJ disorders, pain relief, relaxation of muscle, improvement in circulation, and sedation. Acupuncture can also remove symptoms of grinding or clenching jaws, which are common among TMJ patients. If you are considering the use of acupuncture for TMJ pain, it is preferable to consult a licensed acupuncturist with experience in treating TMJ disorders, and it will be beneficial to utilize acupuncture alongside other TMJ treatments for optimal outcome.
The TMJ No More™(The TMJ Solution) by Christian Goodman if you are suffering from the disorder of TMJ and problems related to tinnitus then The TMJ No More, written by Christian Goodman, can be very beneficial for you. Along with eradicating your health problems within a few days, it will also help in improving the quality of your life to a considerable level. This system is being used by more and more people all over the world to get rid of TMJ and tinnitus-related health problems within a few days just by doing some very easy and natural exercises