Diagnosing TMJ Syndrome

TMJ is short for temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that attaches your lower jaw to your head. TMJ Syndrome happens when that joint and the muscles around it become swollen and painful. It can be an annoyance when eating or talking, but typically is not a serious condition. Anyone can develop TMJ Syndrome, but people between the ages of 20 and 40 seem to suffer more often, as do women. 

 

While research is still being done about TMJ Syndrome, a variety of things are thought to cause it, such as injuries to the head or jaw, arthritis, clenching your jaw when you are stressed, and whiplash. Diagnosis can be difficult because most people have some form of the symptoms, so it takes a medical professional to make a proper diagnosis.

The biggest factor indicating TMJ Syndrome is pain or swelling in or around your jaw or face. Symptoms also include difficulty chewing and a jaw that gets “stuck” or makes a clicking or popping noise when you open or close your mouth. It can also cause head, shoulder, or neck aches, arthritis, ringing in your ears, ear aches, or difficulty hearing.

Often, the swelling and painful symptoms will go away with time or simple self-care techniques. By simply avoiding hard foods and gum and practicing muscle relaxation techniques, the swelling and pain can subside.

If the pain stays and your quality of life is being affected, seek medical assistance from a health care professional who has a strong understanding of how the muscles, bones, and joints work together. Note that it’s recommended that you first explore treatment plans that are non-invasive or can be reversed, exhausting them before moving on to permanent or surgical options.

To find out more about TMJ syndrome, click here!

Avoiding Neck Pain at Work: Five Tips

Anyone can suffer from neck pain while at work, so it's good to know how to properly help your neck and avoid aches and other, more serious side effects that can affect your health, productivity and general happiness.

Here’s a few tips that may help you find neck pain relief:

Posture:

Most neck pain comes from poor posture. Always keep your back straight and your shoulders pulled back, so that they can naturally support the weight of your head. When we slouch, the neck's muscles and tendons take the strain of the head's weight and we end up with aches.

Engage your core:

Keeping your body strong through exercise can prevent neck muscles from getting tired and strained. By exercising your stomach and back muscles, it will be easier to maintain good posture and keep your head held where it is supposed to be.

Neck Stretches:

Throughout the day, it's a good idea to stretch your neck. Carefully rotate your head around to loosen things up, then look from side to side and up and down and roll your shoulders to the front and back.

Adjust your work environment:

Make sure your work environment is arranged for you. Do you work in an office all day? Adjust your monitor height and chair so you can easily look at the screen while sitting up straight. Do you drive for a living? Adjust your chair and mirrors so you can see everything effortlessly and with good back support. Is your job physical? Get help if something is too heavy, and always use a lifting belt for the big stuff.

Don't sit too long:

Staying in any position for too long can cause neck pain. Get up and move around every so often. Your whole body benefits when you move, not just your neck.

Neck problems can vary, from a small pinch or ache, to severe pain and headaches. If you find that you still have problems with your neck after work, even after you try a few self-care methods, it’s recommended that you seek the attention of a healthcare professional for neck pain relief. Medical professionals utilizing osteopathic manipulation can improve the way your joints, ligaments, and muscles work, alleviating pain without medications or surgeries.

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