Common Forms of Exercises to Help Relieve Pain Caused by TMJ Disorders
When you suffer from pain caused by a temporomandibular joint disorder, you will likely be seeking answers to alleviate this pain. Seeing your local dentist in Worcester, Massachusetts, should be your first step to putting this discomfort behind you. Drs. Fadi Farah, Scott Siemen, and the team at Paxton Dental Care can provide exercises aimed at helping you with this pain while long-term solutions are sought.
Signs You May Have TMJ Disorder
Before you start exercises to help relieve pain and discomfort, you must visit your dentist to be checked out for a temporomandibular joint disorder. If you are experiencing any of the following signs or symptoms, it could be worth a trip to the dentist for a diagnosis:
- Pain in the neck, jaw, face, and back
- Popping and/or clicking of the jaw
- Lockjaw
- Chronic headaches or migraines
- Tinnitus
- Muffled or clogged ears
- Pain in the ear
- Chipped or worn teeth
- Chronic teeth clenching or grinding
If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist for an examination to determine whether you suffer from a temporomandibular joint disorder.
Forms of TMJ Exercises
If you are reading this, it is likely you either think you have a TMJ disorder or you’ve been diagnosed with one and are seeking different treatment options, including various exercises you can do from the comfort of your home. These exercises may help relieve pain or discomfort caused by TMJ disorder but won’t provide long-term relief. Exercises that can provide short-term relief include:
Strength Exercises: One of the first exercises you will likely try is a strengthening exercise. This form of exercise is most effective when performed between TMJ flareups. It is essential not to do a strengthening exercise when in pain, as it could worsen it.
Relaxation Exercises: TMJ disorders and the pain associated with them are often caused by tension and stress in your life. Exercises done for relaxation can provide relief from this pain.
Stretching Exercises: The final form of TMJ disorder exercise is stretching. This involves stretching your mouth muscles for 5 to 10 seconds.
Now that you know the three most common exercises to relieve pain from TMJ disorder, talk to your dentist for specific exercises and instructions. To schedule an appointment with Drs. Fadi Farah or Scott Siemen, please call (508) 557-2400 today!
