TMD Does Not Discriminate but Help Is Available
TMD – which stands for temporomandibular joint dysfunction and affects the jaw – seems to be becoming more and more common. Some theories seem to indicate that stress may be playing a huge role in the upsurge of this condition. This makes sense as stress negatively affects the muscles of the neck, leading them to strain and tighten up, and may lead to a misalignment of the upper cervical spine over time.
Home Remedies for TMD
- Rest the jaw – avoid eating foods that are too chewy such as steak and bagels. Rather go for softer foods like tuna and eggs, which require less chewing, giving the jaw a chance to rest.
- Do not open the jaw too wide – while it is impossible to avoid yawning, try to avoid other activities requiring you to open the jaw widely, such as singing.
- Ice the jaw – wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply it to the jaw for no more than 20 minutes. Ice can reduce swelling, the primary source of TMD pain.
Proper Spinal Alignment Helps with TMD
Seeking our care here at True Alignment Chiropractic in Lacey, Washington, is a good place to begin. A misalignment in either the C1 or C2 vertebra often may be the underlying cause of TMD. We use a gentle method to help realign the bones of the neck without popping or forcing them. This is often all that is needed to see improvement in or the end of TMD.
To schedule a complimentary consultation call our Lacey office at 360-810-2949 You can also click the button below.