TMJ syndrome is a jaw disorder where the temporomandibular joint that connects the lower and upper law is dislocated or stressed. Symptoms of TMJ disorder include, blurred vision, congested sinuses, toothaches, as well as more obvious pain in the jaw, neck, ears, face, and sometimes shoulders.

For all the symptoms that it has, a multitude of TMJ treatment options can be provided by dentists and doctors alike. Treatments can include mouthguards for sleeping and correcting bite, anti-inflammatory medication, natural vitamins and minerals to reduce inflammation, jaw exercises, and even surgery.

Most TMJ treatment options are noninvasive and can be done at home if suggested by the doctor or dentist. For vitamin/mineral diets and exercises to work, they need to be performed exactly as prescribed.   In severe cases though, surgery may be the next step and usually the last resort to treat TMJ because surgery is irreversible.

A person who experiences slight jaw pain while eating or conversing has no reason to be alarmed. If, however, the pain persists, you should check with your dentist.  He or she will assess the situation, determine whether or not TMJ syndrome is present, and then outline the best plan to follow from there.

Basically, medical practitioners advise on the noninvasive methods first. Altering the diet is surely one of the first steps trading extremely solid foods that are difficult to chew for softer foods that cause less stress on the TMJ. Food with omega 3 fatty acids like flaxseed oil and fish will be increased as the omega 3 fatty acid gives an anti-inflammatory effect and reduces swelling in the TMJ.

They may also suggest adding calcium and magnesium enriched foods which strengthens bones and increases healing time. Exercising the jaw five times each day for five minutes by stretching the jaw up and down and side to side will also build strength in the joint. For these treatments to work, they need to be done consistently over a long period of time.

TMJ syndrome has also been rooted in stress and most commonly, people with TMJ do grind their teeth when they sleep and clench their teeth a lot when under stressful situations.

To stop teeth grinding and clenching, mouth guards similar to what athletes use can be worn during the day. Books on alleviating and eliminating this stress that can lead to teeth-grinding can be readily found in libraries, book departments, and online.

If all else fails in the noninvasive department, doctors and dentists might recommend surgery which covers anesthesia wherein two needs are inserted to the TMJ to wash it out, TMJ replacement, TMJ disc repositioning, removing of the TMJ disc.

The temporomandibular joint disorder is a complex kind of disorder and medical practitioners offer a lot of treatment option. Mostly, it starts with noninvasive treatments and only if they don’t work does TMJ call for surgery so look to your doctor or dentist for advice.

My research has shown that many people find exercises such as those offered by TMJ No More, to be the most effective remedy for TMJ pain.


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