Feeling the pain of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) can be exhausting, depressing and turn the simplest activities, from eating to talking to your friends or family, into a daily battle.

If you’ve got tight jaws, headaches, or are tired of chronic facial pain, and you’re looking for how to fix TMJ then keep reading to help learn more about TMJ, recognize the symptoms, pinpoint what’s causing it, and reveal proven strategies for relief of TMJ pain.

Finally, you will have a better understanding of how to resolve TMJ with self-care remedies or professional assistance such as fast-acting solutions like TERRAFREEZE Pain Relief Cream.

What is TMJ?

Your temporomandibular joint attaches your jaw to your skull it’s a sliding hinge that allows you to chew, speak and yawn. Conditions of this joint (often referred to as TMJ, or temporomandibular disorders, TMD) affect millions of people.

TMJ problems can lead to pain in the jaw, face, head, neck and even shoulders. There is nothing comfortable about chronic TMJ pain, and it can wear away the overall feel of your quality of life.

What are the Signs of TMJ

Early diagnosis is the key to successful TMJ pain relief. Symptoms of TMJ syndrome can vary from mild aches to severe, persistent pain. Pay attention to these warning signals:

• Pain or tenderness in your jaw, particularly around the ears
• Noises that may sound like clicking or popping when you open your mouth or close it
• Chewing difficulties or pain
• Jaw locking up (either open or closed)
• Headaches or earaches
• Facial pain that spreads toward the neck or shoulders
• Facial or cheek swelling

What Causes TMJ Problems?

There are various factors which can contribute to TMJ pain such as:

• Blow to the jaw or trauma: This can knock the joint out of alignment
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can both wreak havoc on the joint space leading to inflammation and pain
• Teeth grinding (bruxism): Regularly clenching or grinding the teeth can strain the TMJ and its neighboring muscles
• Stress: Long-term stress can cause muscle tension and clenching
• Structural problems: A misaligned jaw or teeth may cause uneven pressure on the joint
• Connective tissue diseases: Disorders in the tissues that support the joint may raise the risk

Some risk factors, including age, sex (women are more commonly affected by TMJ disorders), and genetics, may also contribute.

TMJ Pain Treatment

Thankfully, there are various types of treatment options available to TMJ sufferers. The best option for you will depend on how severe your symptoms are, what is causing them and how you respond to initial treatments. Here are the most effective alternatives:

Topical Pain Relief

One of the quickest and most efficacious ways to relieve TMJ soreness is with our TERRAFREEZE Pain Relieving Cream, which temporarily relieves minor pain associated with muscles, back, foot, shoulder, neck stiffness, and joint pain.

How to use:

• Rub a thin layer onto the affected area (jaw, temples, or neck) as recommended
• Squeeze and massage gently to work in lotion
• Apply 3-4 times a day or as directed by your health professional

Oral Medications

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Pain and swelling can be alleviated with ibuprofen or naproxen
• Muscle relaxants: These are usually prescribed by a doctor to treat acute muscle tightness
• Tricyclic antidepressants: Low dose amitriptyline is occasionally prescribed for chronic facial pain

Physical Therapy and Jaw Exercise

Special exercises developed by a therapist can stretch and strengthen jaw muscles, restore jaw mobility and ease pain. Common techniques involve:

• Gentle jaw stretches
• Resistance exercises
• Posture training

Tip: Always do jaw exercises with guidance, especially in the beginning, to prevent injury.

Oral Splints and Night Guards

Worn mostly at night, dental appliances align your bite and can stop teeth grinding, too. Mouth guards — made by dentists for your individual comfort, these splints cushion the jaw and offer great relief to many TMJ victims.

Lifestyle Modifications

Small Changes Can Lead to Big Health Improvements

• Choose soft foods: You can relieve your jaw of extra tension by eating soups, yogurt, eggs, and steamed vegetables
• Refrain from over-chewing: Avoid gum, difficult-to-chew meats, or hard-on-the-teeth snacks
• Watch your posture: Ensure you align your head with your spine to avoid neck and jaw tension

Medical and Surgical Treatment

For chronic/severe TMJ issues:

• Steroid injections: Help with inflammation in the joint
• Arthrocentesis or arthroscopy: Procedures to remove debris or fix joint problems through minimally invasive means
• Open-joint surgery: For the most severe, structural problems

The majority of TMJ sufferers will NOT need to be operated on. Conservative and non-invasive treatments should always be tried first.

How To Treat TMJ Yourself

Arming yourself with at-home remedies can bring you ongoing relief and help prevent the condition from flaring up again. Here’s how to heal TMJ with self-care:

• Heat/Cold Packs: Gently press a warm (not hot) washcloth or some ice wrapped in a towel on the jaw for 10-15 minutes, several times a day
• Massage: With your fingers, gently massage your jaw and temple muscles
• Relieve the Stress: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation and yoga can relieve stress by gradually reducing jaw tension
• Pain Relief Creams: TERRAFREEZE isn’t just for flare-ups. Consistent use may also help with muscle aches
• Rein in Jaw Movement: Big yawns, belting it out in song, and chewing gum can all stress your TMJ. Pay attention to how you move your jaw during the day

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your doctor if:

• Symptoms last for more than 1 week
• You have difficulty opening your jaw wide
• Pain prevents you from opening your mouth
• You notice swelling on your face or in your mouth, including your jaw and teeth

If at-home remedies and over-the-counter TMJ treatments don’t provide relief, see a professional. Call your doctor or dentist if you experience:

• Discomfort or jaw dysfunction that lasts more than 2 weeks
• Problems with opening or closing your mouth
• Recurring headaches, earaches or pain in the ear or face
• Significant changes to your bite
• Signs of infection near the jaw (swelling, redness)

Your health care provider may refer you to a dentist who specializes in jaw disorders, or to a jaw (oral and maxillofacial) surgeon for further examination and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first signs of TMJ?

• Jaw pain or tenderness
• A clicking or popping noise when opening or closing the jaw
• Occasional problems with opening very wide

Can stress cause TMJ?

Yes, stress is a huge factor. It encourages clenching and can cause TMJ symptoms or make them worse.

Are there ways I can exercise to make my TMJ pain go away?

Absolutely. Things like gentle jaw stretches and resistance movements can be helpful. Consult with your dentist or physical therapist to find a plan that is safe for you.

When is TMJ surgery appropriate?

It’s a last resort when conservative treatments (including over-the-counter medication, physical therapy, splints) do not bring relief after a few months, or if you have more severe structural joint problems.

Can TMJ cause headaches?

Yes, TMJ issues often result in tension headaches and sometimes migraines, particularly around the temples and forehead.

How does TERRAFREEZE Pain Relief Cream work for TMJ pain?

TERRAFREEZE utilizes menthol to provide precise and localized relief by numbing the nerve and reducing inflammation. It’s fast, easy, and can be applied as often as necessary.

What doctor do you see for TMJ?

Your general dentist. They may refer you to an oral surgeon, an ENT doctor, or a pain clinic, depending on the severity of your case.

What is The Best TMJ Solution?

TMJ doesn’t have to take over your life. Once you know what your symptoms are, what’s causing them, and you’ve taken action to invest in proven TMJ pain relief, you can control your future and live a normal life, never at the mercy of your TMJ pain again.

Easy solutions, from finding peace of mind to simple, targeted solutions like TERRAFREEZE Pain Relief Cream, can make a major difference in your daily wellness.

So if TMJ pain is preventing you from living life to the fullest, add TERRAFREEZE Pain Relief Cream to your self-care arsenal. It could be the missing piece of the puzzle for many sufferers in the search for genuine, long-term relief.