Homeopathic Remedies for TMJ

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome is a condition in which the jaw feels locked in one place. Talking, eating, chewing and even drinking can become a tough task because the jaw is very sore and difficult to move. It usually is caused by stress, injury to the jaw or from clenching teeth while asleep. Only in severe circumstances is surgery needed for this syndrome. Most of the time, a remedy can be found within your home.

Relaxation

Using relaxation techniques can go a long way in treating TMJ. Engage in exercises that are made to help the body calm down. Yoga and tai chi are very therapeutic and help relieve stress. Take a warm bath before bed. This causes vasodilation (opening of blood vessels) and will aid in a more restful sleep. The use of a heat pack on the affected area can stop pain. It will increase the flow of blood to the jaw, which will accelerate the healing process. Lastly, try meditating or deep breathing exercises before bed. Put on some soothing music; typically sounds of nature have the most calming effect. Anything you can do before bed to help you relax likely will melt away the soreness caused by TMJ.

Herbs

Herbal remedies can help relieve pain from TMJ. Causticum, ignatia and magnesia phosphorica are some homeopathic remedies that help soothe strained ligaments around the jaw. These are not found in your local market as they must be sought in specialty nutrition shops or purchases from an online source. Some more common herbs that can be found in the supermarket are passionflower, kava kava, valerian root and St. John's Wort. These herbs help relieve stress and even help you sleep better.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an alternative treatment that may be used in lieu of painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicine. A 2007 British study showed that 70 dental patients received acupuncture for TMJ symptoms. Eighty-five percent of those patients felt the intensity of their pain was reduced by 75 percent. This technique helps burrow to the root cause of the pain, which generally is stress, and relaxes target muscles in the jaw. The great aspect of acupuncture is that it can be used alone or in conjunction with traditional medicine. There are no harmful interactions between the two.

Caution

Homeopathic methods of treatment can be used in mild to moderate cases of TMJ. Most often when stress goes away, so does the TMJ. However, some cases that are more severe, as with those with rheumatoid arthritis or if you have suffered head trauma, more drastic measures such as surgery must be sought. If TMJ symptoms remain or become worse after five days of homeopathic treatment, it is best to consult a doctor or dentist for further advice.