by Lorelei Cohen

Created on: March 21, 2010

In the United States there are approximately 35 million people who suffer from TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint or Muscle Disorders, as it is officially known. TMJ occurs when problems with the joint or muscles within or surrounding the jaw result in severe or chronic jaw pain.

The symptoms of TMJ may include: Pain within the joint or muscles of the jaw, stiffness in the jaw area, locking of the jaw, clicking or popping of the jaw, headaches, neck or shoulder pain, ear ache, ringing in the ear, vision problems, or dizziness. It is generally the pain that accompanies TMJ that seeks most individuals to seek medical attention.

The painful effects of TMJ may last for weeks, months or years. Each case is individual. Often the symptoms of TMJ will go away on it's own, but TMJ can also become chronic, and surgery has not been proven as an effective treatment for this illness. Pain relief is often found within prescription medication, range of motion, heat or massage therapy.

The pain, or stress, within the surrounding jaw muscles can be relieved through heat, gentle massage, or stretching. It is for this reason that many individuals find relief within heat or massage therapy. By applying heat to relax the muscles, and then gently massaging the affected area, TMJ sufferers can greatly reduce the amount of pain that they exist in without the use of prescription pain relief medications.

A massage therapist can be used to receive the full benefits of this therapy, or it can be orchestrated at home by either the individual, or a second party. Use gentle massage on the muscles surrounding the jaw joint for brief periods of time. Massaging these muscles with the mouth in a closed position, and then again in an open position, will help to relax the tight muscles in the jaw area. The relief of tension results in a lowering of pain within the jaw area. For those wishing to learn this unique jaw massage detailed instruction, and photos, are used to demonstrate this therapy at: www.massagetoday.com or www.nwhealth.edu.

TMJ may develop from any number of issues including: arthritis, autoimmune illness, injury or stress to the jaw or it's surrounding muscle tissue, dental procedures, infection, clenching or grinding of teeth, and genetic or hormonal issues. As the pain from this illness can be quite severe, and disabling, massage therapy is considered a very viable method of treatment for relief of the symptoms of TMJ.

Always consult with your physician before beginning any new therapy program.

Sources:

http://www.tmj.org/basics.asp

http://www.nwhealth.edu/healthyU/stayHealthy/tmjmass .html

http://www.massagetoday.com/archives/2004/12/05.html

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