3 DIY Techniques to Lessen TMJ Discomfort
Let’s set the stage: You’re at the office on a Tuesday afternoon. You just finished lunch: ham sandwich with lettuce, tomato and mayo, carrots and an apple (you’re healthy after all!). Now you’re starting to feel that nasty pain in front of your ears creep up on you again. This has been happening for the past month and you’re unsure what’s the cause of this throbbing ache. It’s very possible that you’re suffering from TMJ Discomfort or pain in the thermo mandibular joint.
Here are 3 do-it-yourself techniques, or what we call “self manipulation,” that may help in reducing your pain:
- Find the spot that hurts and apply slow steady pressure for about 30 seconds.
- Slowly run your fingers through your hair with pressure along side your temples above your ears. Do this a few times in a row, then come back to it in 5-8 minutes and repeat.
- Quick question: How are you sitting in your chair? Are you looking down at your computer or straight on? Posture matters whether sitting or standing. Rather than looking down at your phone or your computer, prop up your devices so they are at eye-level. Sit on the edge of your seat (your back should not be touching the back of the chair), both feet on the floor, and elongate your spine up so that your belly is sticking out. With your shoulders back, your spine should follow its natural curve with the head focused straight.
If you’re still experiencing the same throbbing pain, it may be time to visit a TMJ Massage Therapist. When doing these techniques on your own, it’s important to remember that self manipulation could possibly create other areas of pain. Set up your appointment with a TMJ Massage Therapist today to learn what you can do to cut that pain out of your life for good.
