How do I get TMJ to go away?

Do you ever wake up in the morning with soreness or stiffness in your jaw? You might have temporomandibular joint disorder — also known as TMJ.

Your temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull. When this joint isn’t working well, it can cause pain. And if you clench or grind your teeth at night, you are likely making the problem worse.

TMJ can occur due to overuse or an internal derangement, or displacement. If you have TMJ, you likely experience pain while eating, talking or yawning. You might even have ear symptoms, such as congestion or ringing in the ear. Additional signs of TMJ include clicking and popping in the jaw and a “locked” or tight jaw.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, exercises can help. Nicole Norenberg and Julia Heyer, physical therapists at Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Centers, say a few simple exercises can help alleviate the pain and soreness often associated with TMJ.

If the exercises do not relieve your symptoms, or you continue to have difficulty opening your jaw, talk with your primary care doctor about your concerns and referral to a physical therapist.

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