Ice For TMJ Pain Relief

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Relief for TMJ pain may be as close as your freezer and an ice pack - ice for TMJ pain relief is a great option out there to lessen the pain. Patients who use ice to control the nagging and uncomfortable symptoms associated with this disorder have a real and significant control over their symptoms. This, in turn, could lead to a more positive outlook that may further decrease the pain.

Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome gets its name from the joints in front of the ears that connect the lower jaws to the skull. These joints are complex in nature and can cause problems for many different reasons, most notably injury or arthritis. However, in some cases, doctors may not be able to pinpoint the exact reason for a malfunction.

If these joints are inflamed, irritated or injured there are several symptoms that develop. There may be difficulty chewing, speaking or swallowing. This situation usually intensifies and soon the surrounding muscles are affected. Pain may be experienced in the neck, shoulders and ears. To effectively help a patient with this syndrome, the doctor needs to access the two main symptoms: pain and the inability to move the jaw. This evaluation will determine the correct course of treatment.

Since there may not be a clearly defined reason why a person is experiencing TMJ symptoms, handling the pain is the primary consideration. Applications of ice for the relief of TMJ pain have been shown to be effective. This treatment not only numbs the area and therefore silences the pain; ice also decreases the inflammation at the site. Applying ice appears to get at the root of the problem, specifically by shrinking the tissues that lessens the irregular contact with the muscles.

It’s recommended that an ice pack be used for about 10 –15 minutes at a time. If an ice pack isn’t handy, simply wrap some ice cubes in a clean wash cloth and apply to the painful area. The application of ice can be repeated throughout the day and may even be done before bedtime to quiet the inflammation and provide much needed pain relief.

Using ice for TMJ pain can also be combined with other treatment options. Taking an over the counter analgesic or practicing relaxation techniques can both increase the relief from the ice treatment. A physical therapist could suggest appropriate and gentle jaw exercises that could aid in pain management as well.

Since many patients state that the pain associated with this syndrome is the primary concern, seeking relief must be the first consideration. Although prescription medications can stop the discomfort of this condition, many time these drugs produce unwanted and potentially serious side effects. Often, there can be a real measure of relief using safe treatments, like applying ice or learning relaxation techniques.

If arthritis or an injury is causing the TMJ pain, the doctor will address those concerns. But for many patients, the pain accompanying this disorder doesn’t have a definite and therefore, treatable cause. For them, pain management is the key. Many times a change in habits may help ease the pain. Chewing gum or hard foods should be eliminated. If there is considerable stress in the patient’s life, the person needs to learn ways to cope.

Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome is an aggravating disorder with acute pain. A proper diagnosis and tests should be done to determine the possible cause and an effective treatment plan started. Don’t despair—there are many ways to handle the pain and ice for TMJ pain is both a safe and significant way of obtaining relief.