Eggs, yogurt, fruit smoothies, cooked beans, fish, soft chicken, ground meat, cooked rice and soup are good examples of soft foods that will prevent pain.
Try to avoid resting your chin on your hand. Don’t hold the phone between your shoulder and ear. Practice good posture to reduce neck and facial pain.
Put your tongue between your teeth to control clenching or grinding during the day.
Try some deep breathing exercises. Slow take in air until your lungs are full and then slowly exhale. Try to clear your mind and focus solely on your breathing. [5] X Research source Yoga is a great way to relieve stress. Try some basic stretching poses that will relieve tension in your back, where nerve endings are concentrated, like downward-facing dog and child’s pose. [6] X Research source Get a therapeutic massage that relieves tension in your shoulder and neck muscles.
If you don’t want to see a doctor, buy some Acetaminophen, sold under various brand names including Tylenol and Panadol. They will be available at all major drug stores. Overuse can cause liver and stomach problems so be sure to follow the directions for appropriate dosage and frequency.
One option is Ibuprofen, sold under various brand names including Advil and Motrin. Another option is Naproxen, sold under various brand names including Midol and Aleve. Naproxen is longer lasting than Ibuprofen.
These medications all treat depression and sleep disorders. If you already take a medication for these conditions, be sure to talk to your doctor first as they may interact negatively.
Cyclobenzaprine, sold under the brand names Amrix and Fexmid, will treat pain, stiffness and spasms in your muscles. Metaxalone, sold under the brand name Skelaxin, will relieve the pain and inflammation from muscle strain. This is better for more serious muscle pain.
Rub your fingers in a circular motion until you start to feel the pain subside. Start gently and add pressure as comfort allows. [12] X Research source
Make sure the temperature is warm but not scalding hot.
You should wear your night guards while you sleep and you wear a splint at all times. Your dentist will determine which one you need.
Home TENS kits are available at most major retailers and drug stores. They typically cost between $40 and $150. Use rubbing alcohol to clean the area first. The machine will have a nob for increasing the strength and one for increasing frequency. Start low on each nob and first slowly increase the strength until you start to feel relief and then adjust the frequency until the relief is sustained. [16] X Research source
Trigger point injections can cost up to $400 if you’re paying out of pocket. Talk to your health insurance provider to see if the procedure is covered. Other than some temporary soreness at the injection site, this procedure shouldn’t have any substantive side-effects. This should provide several weeks of temporary relief for your TMJ symptoms.
The cost of radio wave therapy varies but generally costs around $250 out of pocket. Talk to your health insurance provider to see if the procedure is covered. The procedure only takes a few moments and shouldn’t cause any substantive side-effects or soreness. This should provide several weeks of temporary relief for your TMJ symptoms.
The Procaine injection and procedure may leave you with a numb sensation and soreness for up to 24 hours. The cost of this procedure varies widely but will be covered by most health insurance providers if your doctor deems it necessary.
This type of surgery, known as minimally invasive, leaves a smaller scar, has fewer complications, and requires a shorter recovery time than a major operation. The cost of this procedure varies widely but will be covered by most health insurance providers if your doctor deems it necessary.
This procedure is sometimes performed with a local anesthetic like Procaine but can sometimes require a general anesthetic that knocks you unconscious. This procedure may require recovery time of several days or even a few weeks. The cost of this procedure varies widely but will be covered by most health insurance providers if your doctor deems it necessary.
