TMJ Jaw Pain or Headache?
Here are 7 things to try…
- TMJ massage
- Mouth guard
- Body scan meditation
- Position of tongue
- Acupuncture on TMJ trigger points
- Holding a pencil or finger in your mouth
- Get Hypnotized
TMJ massage can be done on the INSIDE of the mouth.
That is right! The inside of the mouth is massaged to release TMJ pain.
I can refer you to someone who is trained in this and gets good results with my patients!
Mouth guard may be worn at night for bruxism. Bruxism is clenching the teeth.
Dentists will make you one that fits your individual mouth.
Hopefully your insurance covers some or all of the cost of a dental mouth guard.
Also, you can buy a primitive, sports style at a pharmacy (the kind you mold to your mouth by boiling in a pot ahead of time).
Body scan with Jon Kabat-Zinn is helpful as a meditation.
This is free on YouTube. It lasts about forty minutes.
I am always shocked how there is tension somewhere in my body that I was not aware of holding!
Tongue Position can make a difference. Hold your tongue behind your upper front teeth/on the roof of your mouth.
This is called your hard palate. Practice holding your tongue here in a resting position as much as possible.
Yogis often focus on keeping the tongue in this position.
-Over time you will get used to doing this, as with anything you practice.
Acupuncture works great when needles are placed within the TMJ trigger points. Headache points may be used as well.
Most patients feel better the first time and have marked results after a few treatments.
Holding a pencil or even your pointer finger in between your front upper and lower teeth can train the teeth to stay apart.
I did this for two weeks, about 10 minutes per day–usually while typing posts like this.
I found that at first I kept biting my own finger and the pencil showed teeth marks afterward.
-Eventually I was able to train myself to stop clenching so there were no teeth marks.
Hey-be sure to use a brand new pencil (without teeth marks).
Hee-hee!
Hypnosis- Someone close to me tried a hypnotist to stop clenching and it worked!
This individual damaged teeth for years due to the constant day and night jaw clenching.
I know someone who is trained and has had success with this and can refer you, if needed.
Ringing in the Ear? Acupuncture May Not Help
Written by Aleesha Ackerman, LAc
Aleesha Ackerman is a certified and state licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in acupuncture. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University. Aleesha owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka, MN.
She became interested in acupuncture and holistic medicine when acupuncture cured her of debilitating migraine pain after an auto collision with a semi-truck. Aleesha specializes in treating acute and chronic pain and Women’s Health. Women come to her everyday with issues such as stress, hot flashes, mood imbalance, low energy and for Cosmetic Acupuncture for wrinkles, crow’s feet, laugh lines and improvement in overall skin tone . Read more about Aleesha and what she specializes in Here.
Patients at Aleesha D Acupuncture say they feel listened to and taken care of.
They are happy to get the much-needed pain and stress relief from their treatments!
Aleesha D Acupuncture is located in historic downtown Anoka at 229 Jackson Street just off Highway 10 with free parking.
Get in and Feel Better, Move Forward!
DISCLAIMER
This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.
Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.
Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960