TMJ problems

OK, here's a short article I wrote for Natural Awakenings Magazine... Hmm, soon I'm going to run out of stuff I already wrote and have to start creating new and exciting things... But for now....

Jaw, neck and shoulder pain, popping in the jaw, bruxism (grinding teeth), ear pain, tinnitus, sinus problems, eye pain, migraines and headaches, dizziness - these are all symptoms of (and often also the cause of) TMJ problems.

The temporal-mandibular joint (TMJ) is a major source of discomfort and pain to many people. TMJ symptoms can be caused by trauma, or muscle tension in the jaw itself or in another part of the body altogether. Treatment for TMJ pain is traditionally by prescription painkillers and/or use of a mouth guard at night. Although this can be effective for some, in many cases relief is only temporary, and often a sufferer is lead to believe that little can be done for the problem except to block the pain. TMJ is often treated solely as a dental problem, and some of the other symptoms listed above are never linked to the TMJ. However, realigning and relaxing the TMJ area can relieve these symptoms as well as helping to regain postural balance throughout the body. Often, misalignment of the pelvis or sacrum is either a cause of or a symptom of TMJ problems.

It is impossible to ignore the emotional and environmental components of TMJ disorders. If one looks at the body as a physical expression of the emotional state, it is easy to see how closely chronic emotional stress and chronic jaw stress are linked. Clenching one's teeth may signify 'biting one's tongue', suppressing emotion, containing anger. Stress and emotional conditions such as depression and anxiety increase both the severity and duration of teeth grinding while asleep. SInce moving to this area, 75% of clients I have seen have suffered with one or more TMJ symptom, most often sinus problems and migraines or headaches. This suggests some environmental factors (perhaps elevation, pollution levels, climate, allergens) are at play.

With all this in mind, it is especially important to look at the big picture when dealing with TMJ symptoms. This means taking into account postural imbalances, past and present health issues and patterns of pain, emotional state, stress or anxiety levels and environmental factors.

Those diagnosed with TMJ syndrome, who suffer with any of these symptoms or feel that a symptom may be related to TMJ, may want to consider bodywork and relaxation techniques to help reduce tension and spasm in the area and improve awareness of how stress affects the body.