Jacob Trager DDSEarly detection and prevention is the key. At the first sign of jaw pain or discomfort take responsibility to get to the possible causes. If you suspect physical causes seek professional help from a dental TMJ specialist, chiropractor, osteopathic physician or craniosacral therapist.
- If there are emotional causes find a therapist to help you sort out the problems that may be contributing to your distress. It is important to not ignore the problems. Problems, not addressed, have the tendency to bury themselves deeper within the body, and manifest later as severe health challenges.
- Practice balancing exercises (see TMJ relaxation exercise on this site) and proper chewing to build resiliency and resistance to untoward stressors.
- Correct improperly fitting dental work (either to high or not correctly meeting the opposing teeth). Make sure that if new work is done, this correction is accomplished within 72 hours after placement.
- Treat muscles first — this is a prime focus in TMJ case management.
- Make a conscious decision to get well no matter what it entails ( this applies to all disease or health challenges).
- Should surgical intervention be necessary, preventive exercises and muscle balancing are crucial for long term successful healing.
Jim Strohecker
Daniel Redwood DC