TMJ: Pain that affects the head, jaw, and face when the temporomandibular joint(connecting the jaw bone to the skulll just below and beside the ear)and its surrounding muscles and ligaments do not function correctly. It is often caused by clenching or grinding the teeth. Symptoms include frequent headaches, pain around the ear, and clicking noises when the mouth is opened or closed.
Hydrotherapy: The first course of treatment is to relax tight muscles in the jaw area by increasing the blood flow. This can be done with hot or cold treatment. Prepare an ice pack, using a bag of ice cubes or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a kitchen towel, and place it on the painful side of the jaw. Alternatively, use a heating pad or hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. Keep the ice pack or hot water bottle in place for about 10 minutes. Repeat several times.
Massage: Lay the tips of your fingers on the jaw muscles. You can locate these by clenching and unclenching the teeth, which activates the jaw muscles. Unclench the teeth and massage the area with small, firm circular movements, gradually easing away the tension.
Acupressure: Place the heels of your hands between the upper and lower jaws, in front of the earlobes, and gradually press inwards. Clench your back teeth-you will feel a muscle pushing out into your hands. Press again on this muscle with the teeth apart for 1 minute, release and alternate to the other side of the jaw.
Chiropractic treatment can be most helpful in this condition. Acupuncture can help relieve spasm and pain.
Muscle relaxant drugs may be recommended to relieve spasm. Orthodontists can prescribe a bite-splint, or cortisone injected directly into the joint can reduce inflamation and reduce symptoms.
