Greets 
This is a very painful condition I am afflicted with. AS a result I have found many tips and remedies which I find help me during the times when it acts up.
Keep in mind those with this disorder may not be able to open thier mouth til the swelling goes down. I have had to eat nothing but purreed food for up to 2 months (yuck) great way to loose wieght trust me *winks*
Hot compresses. I cannot stress how helpful a hot compress is when you have TMJ. It helps reduce the swelling and pain associated with this disorder. I cannot go without a good hot compress. I take a bowl and fill it with boiling water. I let it cool so I can insert a face cloth or 2 (one for each side of face if needed) and then soak these in the hot water then hold it to my jaw area where it hurts. It helps relieve any ear discomfort associated with this disorder. Some will find thier ears block when it flares up as I Have found with myself. For hot compresses I suggest doing as many times a day as you possibly can I will do up to 3 to 4 of these when it acts up.
Ibuprofene. I know I know it is not a natural herb or holistic approach but it helps by reducing the inflammation of the joint in your jaw. Til I can find a good natural way of doing so I do use Ibuprofene as an antiinflammatory with my back as well. HOWEVER I do take it only in extreme cases where I am in such pain I am in tears. I am rather stubborn and will stear clear of any drugs including tylenol or Ibuporfene LOL SO will resort to a heating pad or hot compress as I find it helps releive the pain as well and inflammation. I suggest Ibuprofene in extreme cases where the swelling is so bad it causes tearful pain. Or for those who just cannot tolerate high pains hehehe I admit I am used to living in pain so have a rather high tolerance for pain *grins*
Puree food. Yeah gross I know but trust me if you cannot chew purreed food becomes you best iirend. Do not use the jaw when it is inflammed relax the jaw muscles and do not tense it up. So to aide with this eat pureed food. Get a hand blender as I have and purree all the food. Sometimes it is gross but at least your eating. Pudding is a treat as well when it is really bad. BAsically anything you do not need to chew.
Tea: Chamomile tea is a great antiinflammatory. I know I suggest chamomile tea alot but it is such a multipurpose herb and it really makes one feel wonderful when in pain or stressed. Regular black tea is also wonderful as the tanin seems to help elliviate pain in the jaw area. it also helps you feel oh so good LOL Any warm liquids help when you have a sore jaw. ANy teas are really cool such as Green tea and others. Other than Tea stay clear of any cafeine as it may cause the swelling to be worse and will also stimulate the muscles so they make the muscles tense up int he affected area (spasms as I call them)
These are but a few tips I can share for now. I will return with more when I think of them.
Til then
be well and have fun reading these tips LOL
Be well and walk in peace
Cats
This is a very painful condition I am afflicted with. AS a result I have found many tips and remedies which I find help me during the times when it acts up.
Keep in mind those with this disorder may not be able to open thier mouth til the swelling goes down. I have had to eat nothing but purreed food for up to 2 months (yuck) great way to loose wieght trust me *winks*
Hot compresses. I cannot stress how helpful a hot compress is when you have TMJ. It helps reduce the swelling and pain associated with this disorder. I cannot go without a good hot compress. I take a bowl and fill it with boiling water. I let it cool so I can insert a face cloth or 2 (one for each side of face if needed) and then soak these in the hot water then hold it to my jaw area where it hurts. It helps relieve any ear discomfort associated with this disorder. Some will find thier ears block when it flares up as I Have found with myself. For hot compresses I suggest doing as many times a day as you possibly can I will do up to 3 to 4 of these when it acts up.
Ibuprofene. I know I know it is not a natural herb or holistic approach but it helps by reducing the inflammation of the joint in your jaw. Til I can find a good natural way of doing so I do use Ibuprofene as an antiinflammatory with my back as well. HOWEVER I do take it only in extreme cases where I am in such pain I am in tears. I am rather stubborn and will stear clear of any drugs including tylenol or Ibuporfene LOL SO will resort to a heating pad or hot compress as I find it helps releive the pain as well and inflammation. I suggest Ibuprofene in extreme cases where the swelling is so bad it causes tearful pain. Or for those who just cannot tolerate high pains hehehe I admit I am used to living in pain so have a rather high tolerance for pain *grins*
Puree food. Yeah gross I know but trust me if you cannot chew purreed food becomes you best iirend. Do not use the jaw when it is inflammed relax the jaw muscles and do not tense it up. So to aide with this eat pureed food. Get a hand blender as I have and purree all the food. Sometimes it is gross but at least your eating. Pudding is a treat as well when it is really bad. BAsically anything you do not need to chew.
Tea: Chamomile tea is a great antiinflammatory. I know I suggest chamomile tea alot but it is such a multipurpose herb and it really makes one feel wonderful when in pain or stressed. Regular black tea is also wonderful as the tanin seems to help elliviate pain in the jaw area. it also helps you feel oh so good LOL Any warm liquids help when you have a sore jaw. ANy teas are really cool such as Green tea and others. Other than Tea stay clear of any cafeine as it may cause the swelling to be worse and will also stimulate the muscles so they make the muscles tense up int he affected area (spasms as I call them)
These are but a few tips I can share for now. I will return with more when I think of them.
Til then
be well and have fun reading these tips LOL
Be well and walk in peace
Cats
