[sntm]

Any suggestions with ways to deal with facial/jaw tension? It's becoming constant lately. Not really clenched jaws but just tense in whatever position it's in.

I'm not well versed on complementary medicine, so I usually take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for the pain, or Rescue Remedy to try to relax (and on some occasions, a big glass of wine!) Thought about getting a massage but so $$$. Trying to work on minimizing stress also.

 

[MamaMonica]

The two best things that helped me were yoga and finding a library book with TMJ exercises in it. Good luck. I hope you can find relief. I was put on prescription antiflammatories for my TMJ and the exercises worked better.

 

[sntm]

Can you think of any titles you would recommend? I'll look for one. I've got to start back up with yoga (where to find the time?????)

 

[TopazBlueMama]

Are you finding you've been eating a lot of sugar lately? I've found a correlation between sugar consumption and jaw tension in myself--

 

[MamaMonica]

I can't remember the book titles- it was about 12 years ago when I started using the exercises. I checked out a few books and tried some of the things, sorting out what worked.

I know what you mean about finding time for yoga. Good luck! I do my stretches while the kids eat breakfast.

 

[sntm]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tweetybirds2 Are you finding you've been eating a lot of sugar lately? I've found a correlation between sugar consumption and jaw tension in myself--

I ALWAYS eat a lot of sugar! I like dessert... Am trying to be better about it. I think part of it is work tensions and mom visiting and DH not sleeping well since he usually doesn't cosleep with us and feeling more crammed in bed and no exercise in weeks ===>>>>>> tension.

Just wondered if I was to be lazy and pay someone for an intervention, which would work best: massage, acupuncture, herbal stuff (RR not working)...

 

[MamaMonica]

Shannon, it's not lazy to seek out help. There are lots of alternatives out there. Different things work for diff. people with TMJ since it has so many causes. The problem I've found (had this since age 14) is that what one one person swears by might not work for another so you often have to try a few things to see what gives you relief.

I tried massage and chiropractic without results, but some get great results. Also tried rolfing, but that flared it up really bad. I've also heard accupuncture works really well but haven't tried it.

Extra Ca/Mg helps me as well as exercises/yoga. Yours might respond to accupuncure or another intervention. Mine is from an old injury.

Go ahead and try some interventions- the only way to know is to try a few things and see what gives relief. Take care,

 

[Dreamer]

OMG--I'm sitting here at my desk seeking out advice on the SAME issue...My jawals are KILLING ME! I know what my problem is tho--I grind my teeth REALLY HARD when I sleep...I've got a mouthpeice <third one> but I just end up biting right through them...

Have you had a dentist check your bite out? If your bite is off, things can be done orthodontically to fix it, but if its something as simple as grinding your teeth, you can just try a mouthpeice from walmart for a day or two to see if it will help a little...then, if necessary, you can get your dentist to make you one that will be MUCH more comfy than the bulky wal-mart ones...

Good luck...Let us know if you find something that helps!