TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT (TMJ)

What is TMJ or TMD?

Temporomandibular joint disorder (also called TMJ or TMD) is a chronic pain condition that can be debilitating if left untreated. Your temporomandibular joint connects the lower jaw with the upper jaw, just in front of the ears. Over time or placed under stress, this joint can become irritated and inflamed. When this happens, you may begin to experience the symptoms of TMJ. These can include:

• Pain or soreness in the jaw, neck, shoulders, head, and ears.
• Swelling, heat, and redness in the joint.
• Toothache
• Headache
• Shoulder pain
• Ringing ears (tinnitus)
• Ear pain
• Facial pain

As symptoms progress, you may experience a locked jaw and, in extreme cases, dislocation in the joint.

Causes of TMJ disorder symptoms

TMJ can be caused by simple wear and tear in the joint over time, but there are other factors that can create inflammation in the joint such as Teeth grinding (bruxism), Poor tooth alignment/improper bite,Trauma to the face and jaw, Arthritis and Excessive gum chewing. Once the underlying cause is identified, acupuncture for TMJ can help relieve pain and inflammation.

How does acupuncture for TMJ work?

Chinese medicine is a holistic practice that considers the function of the whole body, not just symptoms in one area. In addition to using acupuncture for TMJ symptoms, Chinese doctors will work to restore whole body well-being. There is a growing body of evidence that indicates the possibility for significant benefits from this treatment approach. Acupuncture for TMJ research continues to show the benefits of this complementary medical approach to treating chronic pain conditions:

• Reduced pain, especially for those with myofascial pain.
• When it comes to stress, acupuncture provides stress reliefthat lasts well past treatment. For many patients with stress-related TMJ that is caused by teeth grinding and jaw clenching, this could provide profound relief.
• Provide better pain reliefthan state-of-the-art traditional medical interventions.
• Increase circulation in the joint, speeding healing and repairing damage.

TMJ & Facial pain 

Facial pain is a common ailment that can arise not just from your jaw. The journal Pain Medicine defines acupoints as specific sites on the body, either on the surface or below the skin, containing a high nerve endings density.

Here are four particular acupressure points for TMJ that worth learning to practise at home.

Note: Starting off gently and then increasing the pressure to a tolerable amount, while maintaining regular deep breathing for one minute.

Jaw bone point: This muscle bulges out between the upper and lower jaw, and you can feel it when you clench your molars together.

Wind screen: This point is the soft indent hiding just under you earlobe.  It’s more sensitive than other points so apply a light touch.

Listening palace: This location is right in front of you earlobe. Apply pressure to both lobes simultaneously.

Wind pool: This point is located on the back of the neck at the base of the skull. There are two points a few inches from each other on both sides of the neck, and a gentle up-pressing pressure is used to relieve discomfort.

Acupuncture and acupressure are not the only treatments for TMJ pain. Physical therapy, pain relievers, mouth guards, and anti-inflammatory prescription medications are widely practiced treatments that may help manage TMJ symptoms. Some people would prefer to try a natural approach to pain relief before prescription medication. Please contact us by phone at + 971 4343 4811 or make an appointment if you are interested to know more about TCM for TMJ.