TMJ Exercises

Temporomandibular joint or TMJ is the joint that links the lower jaw (mandible) with the temporal bone of our skull. This article is about TMJ exercises to be practiced when you face some pain in this joint.

In the face there are two temporomandibular joints which are on either side; located in front of your ears. Temporomandibular joint is derived from the name of the two bones that make this joint; the temporal bone of the skull and lower jaw bone called the mandible.

The TMJ exercises helps to smoothen movements of the mandible and the skull. Basically, TMJ allows you to open and close your mouth, move your jaw to both the sides; thus enabling you to eat, drink, smile or make any form of facial expressions. It has several muscles and connective tissues to help in the smooth movement of the joint. It also consists of one of the most powerful facial muscles of the body; the masseter.

TMJ disorder is also referred as TMJ. The TMJ disorder causes pain in the ear or sometimes gives a strong headache. The temporomandibular joint disorder affects the neck, back and the head. It's extremely painful and causes problems while breathing, sleeping or eating.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

The most common symptom is hearing of a pop sound, when you open or close your jaw. This sound mainly occurs while eating, yawning and talking.
People suffer from headaches frequently and also experience pain in the joint and ear.
People suffering from TMJ disorder can hear a ringing sound in the ear, sometimes there may also be loss of hearing.
Dizziness can also occur because of the ear pain.
Teeth Grinding or Bruxism can be a symptom of TMJ. Teeth grinding leads to sensitivity of teeth, inflammation of gums and tooth decay.
Redness and swelling of face can also occur. TMJ can cause over-bites and under-bites. Misalignment of lips is also a symptom of TMJ disorder.
A locked jaw can also be caused by TMJ disorder. In a locked jaw the muscles of the jaw become stiff and permanently in a state of contraction. The mouth will be stuck in an open or a close position. Locked jaw is a medical emergency and should be treated as soon as possible.

Read more on TMJ symptoms.

Some Free TMJ Exercises

For the first TMJ exercise to relieve pain; sit comfortably on a chair with a strong back rest. Try placing your tongue on the roof of the mouth. Try to open your mouth with your tongue still in the same position; breathe in slowly for a few seconds and breathe out for a few. Close your mouth. Repeat this exercise 10 times for TMJ disorder.
TMJ disorder creates an unwanted shifting of the jaw to one side. People suffering from TMJ disorder suffer from deviated jaws. It means when they open their jaws; the jaw shifts to one side. Stand in front of your bathroom mirror. Have a close look at your jaw, see on which side it is shifted. Try and open your mouth straight. This would require a lot of efforts from the muscles of the damaged side. Open and close your mouth correctly 10 times and take a breather. Repeat 3 sets of 10 each. Do these 3 sets 5 times a day.
Press your fist against the damaged side of the jaw below the TMJ. Maintain a low force. Hold for 10 seconds and release. Repeat this 3 times for TMJ pain treatment on both the sides of the jaw. Learn TMJ treatment options.
This is a jaw exercise for TMJ disorder. Open your mouth as wide as you can. Put your fist on your chin and push to open it more wider. It will hurt a little, but it's like a massage. Hold this position for 20 seconds. Repeat this TMJ exercise 5 times in a day.
Open your mouth wide and try to move the jaw to the right side as more as you can. With your fingers push your jaw to the right side even more. This slight pull would cause a repair movement in the jaws. Hold this for 20 seconds. Do this exercise 4 times a day.

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