See: Inflammation

TMJ:

• Misaligned joint in the jaw

• Caused by tight muscles

• Easily treated without drugs or surgery

 JAW PAIN

    The TMJ is the main joint for moving the jaw.  Feel just below and in front of your ear, and move your jaw.    

    Imagine a person in a hammock.  Swinging back and forth from two anchor points. Strong muscles move the jaw, and also support it under the skull.

    The jaw is the most used joint in the body.  We use our jaw muscles more than we do those in our feet and hands.  If it doesn't move freely, the parts of the joint grind together, causing TMJ pain.   

    Many movements are possible at the TMJ.  Your jaw opens and closes, but also can move side to side, and forward and back.  If the jaw muscles are out of balance, the TMJ will feel the pain.

 TREATMENT

    Effective treatment involves releasing muscle tension and stress on the TMJ, and letting the body heal itself.

    Deep tissue massage and stretching techniques can provide rapid relief.  Avoiding further stress on the damaged tissue will allow full recovery.