Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
Pain and Dysfunction

Perhaps, the topic of TMJ does not interest very many of you.  All I can say to that is to counsel gratitude that you have not experienced trouble here.   I have – for about 3 weeks now.  My efforts to understand and deal with the pain have led to the writing of this article.  I am happy to report that I am once again eating normal foods.  I can even speak without my jaw popping in and out of joint!  Swallowing no longer makes my jaw ache.  Yawning, which for me is the result of feeling energy move, no longer produces excruciating pain.  Happy days are here again!

Basic Information

Location and Description of the Temporomandibular Joint

The temporomandibular joint is well named.  It is the joint that connects the temporal bones (the sides of the skull) to the mandible (the lower jaw).  Hence, temporo and mandibular.  A common acronym for these joints is TMJ.   Their full name is a mouthful.  Typing that long name for these joints is not fun either.  So we shall, most often, use the shorter acronym.  The temporomandibular joints are located just in front of the ear canals.  They are easily located by placing the fingers over this general area and then yawning.  If you do this, you will feel the joints move.  The temporomandibular joint, which attaches the mandible to the skull, is a very complicated structure, indeed.

Rotation of the condyles (the rounded ends of the mandible) with the socket provided by the temporal bones allows for two distinct movements.  The first movement is a rotation.  Rotation of the jawbone occurs when opening and closing the jaw.   A gliding motion occurs in this joint when the mouth is opened wide.  A soft disc of cartilage lies between the condyles and the temporal socket.  The discs absorb shocks to the jaws and to these joint  Small shocks occur all day long.  Simple things as chewing and yawning can produce such small shocks.

MUSCLE ATTACHMENTS

The mandible is the largest, strongest, and most mobile bone in the cranium (the head).  The mandible has an incredible sixteen muscle group attachments.  Only the scapula, with seventeen attachments, has more muscle structures than the mandible.   The masseter is the rectangular facial muscle that plays a major role in the chewing (mastication) of solid foods.  This muscle has the greatest contractile strength per fiber of any muscle in the body.

THE TRIGEMINAL NERVE

The trigeminal nerve (Cranial Nerve #5) is the largest and most complex of the 12 cranial nerves.  This nerve is responsible for sensation and feeling in the face.  It also controls the muscles responsible for chewing.  The name “trigeminal” originates in the Latin word “trigeminus”.  Trigeminus means “threefold.”  Threefold refers to the three divisions of this nerve.  These divisions are the ophthalmic (eyes), maxillary (upper jaw) and the mandibular (lower jaw).  Complexity, too often, gives rise to a variety of problems.  Many of the problems associated with the trigeminal nerve neither originate nor manifest in the jaw or face.

RELATIONSHIP TO AUTO-IMMUNE DISORDERS

Some nasty autoimmune disorders, statistically speaking, appear to be related to TMJ disorder.  On the other hand, certain autoimmune disorders seem to create or worsen TMJ issues.   Certain types of arthritis, for example, may bring about inflammation in the muscles of the jaw.  As a result of this inflammation in the muscles, the 5th cranial nerve, the trigeminal, becomes irritated and inflamed.  The result is TMJ.  In addition, there are many other ailments associated with inflammation of the 5th Cranial nerve.  These statistics make sense, anatomically.  This type of relationship is suspected for such autoimmune disorders as Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis.  Perhaps, and just as likely, other autoimmune disorders have a tie-in here also.

Emotional Connections

Stubbornness

The clenching of the jaw often indicates stubbornness.  Many people “set their jaws” when they set their mind against something or someone.  This clenching of the jaw puts a great deal of stress on the temporomandibular joint, as you can imagine.

Throat Chakra

The throat chakra encompasses such things as expression, creativity, and communication.   If we feel that we are not allowed to express ourselves, trouble often crops up here.  If speaking up feels, or is, dangerous for us we are likely to experience TMJ pain.  We “swallow our truth”, to the detriment of our jaws, when we are afraid to speak up.

The Heart of Listening, by Hugh Milne, is one of my favorite CranioSacral books.  There is an interesting quote from this book about these joints.   “The temporomandibular joints are the intimates of aggression, determination, and the tendency to withhold tender emotions from expression.  We bite down on our teeth to get through a difficult event.”

Being able to “bite back our words” is considered a virtue.   Sometimes, this is a good idea in some of our relationships.  We must learn not to tightly clamp our jaws shut to accomplish it, however.

The throat chakra and the exposing of the throat are about trust and surrender.   Survival issues may manifest here, also.  We tuck our heads and protect the front part of our necks (the throat), automatically, when we feel threatened.  Actions such as clenching the jaw or protecting our throats put additional, and perhaps almost continual, pressure on the temporomandibular joint and on the trigeminal nerve.

Sexual Dysfunction or Abuse

Problems in the pelvis are often the result of sexual abuse.  Midwives have long acknowledged this fact.  The result of sexual abuse is, too often, sexual dysfunction throughout the rest of the person’s life.  Oddly, but absolutely surely, problems in the pelvis are reflected by problems in the jaw.  This connection is so pronounced that, as midwives, we know that if the woman can relax her jaw during labor, the pelvis will also relax.  The labor will go much more smoothly.  The baby will be able to move down more quickly and easily.

The Weight of Responsibilities

When the world is pressing down on us, the back of the head is muscularly and energetically compressed on the atlas.  The atlas is the first cervical vertebrae of the spine.  The head feels much heavier.  The shoulders and the jaw may ache.  Our responsibilities are weighing us down.  The muscles of the neck and shoulder and inextricably connected to the muscles of the jaw.  Such burdens may manifest in the jaw as well as in the shoulders and spine.

Symptoms of Dysfunction

• Clicking or popping noises
• Pain when opening or closing the jaw
• Limited ability to open the mouth
• Locking of the jaw when opening the mouth

Muscle spasm goes hand-in-hand with displaced jaw joints.  The nerves and muscles are very complex in this area.  When these muscles are in spasm the problems can be far-reaching and painful.  People with TMJ may suffer from symptoms they would never think to associate with this condition.

• Headaches, including migraines
• Pain behind the eyes
• Dizziness
• Earaches or ringing of the ears
• Difficulty hearing, in addition, to the ringing
• A feeling of stuffiness in the eustachian tubes
• Clenching or grinding of the teeth.  This can be both a cause of TMJ and an effect of having problems here.
• Worn, broken, loose, or chipped teeth.  Inflammation in the joint causes misalignment of the jaw and teeth.
• Neck, shoulder, or back pain
• Numbness or tingling of the fingers

Ear Symptoms and TMJ

You may have noted that several of the symptoms listed above involve the ears.  Anatomically, this makes sense.  Studies of TMJs with dislocated discs have shown that tissue bruising occurs at the extreme back end of the temporomandibular joint.  This area of the joint is located only 1.5 millimeters from the front part of the middle ear.  Increased fluid pressure results from inflammation.  Pressure is then transmitted across the thin bones that separate the ear from the temporomandibular joints.  Even slight increases in pressure can result in problems in the joint.

The Eustachian Tubes

Increased fluid pressure can create problems in the eustachian tubes.  The eustachian tube also passes very near to the back of the TMJ.  Eventually, the eustachian tube narrows in the compromised area.  A cold, an allergy, or anything else that causes inflammation can, subsequently, block the eustachian tubes even further.  Blockage of the eustachian tube can prevent the equalizing of pressure between the middle ear and the outside air.  This creates a stuffy feeling in the ear.  As a result, there will be difficulty clearing the ear and the eustachian tube.  This can become a problem, also during changes in altitude such as occur when flying.

Balance and Dizziness

The mechanisms that affect balance are located in the inner ear.  Changes in fluid pressure may affect these mechanisms.  Dizziness and nausea will likely be the result of serious changes in pressure.  Even mild disturbances to this mechanism may result in disorientation and a tendency to bump into things.  Additionally, there may be an inability to concentrate and a general sense of mental befuddlement.

Hearing Loss

The motor aspect of the trigeminal nerve controls the muscles of the jaw.  This nerve also controls the tone of two tiny ear muscles.  Increased tension in these muscles affects the eardrum which, in turn, may cause minor hearing loss.  TMJ patients often complain that they miss things that people are saying, even though hearing tests show normal results.

Prevalence, Prevention, and Treatment

The symptoms of TMJ can, as seen from the above list, masquerade as so many other conditions.  Perhaps they are indicators of early TMJ problems.  Perhaps they are something else entirely.  It is estimated that as many as 10-15% of Americans suffer from one or more of these symptoms.  According to experts consulted by the New York Times, these numbers are far too low!  They believe that TMJ problems are responsible for a wider class of head pain problems than they are given credit for.

Let’s continue with the New York Times article for a moment longer.  Too often, according to this panel of experts, “patients fail to have the problem evaluated comprehensively.”  When TMJ is diagnosed, too many people “undergo costly and sometimes irreversible therapies.”  Worse yet, “these therapies too often do little or nothing to relieve their symptoms.”

Scientists at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research have an interesting philosophy.   “Less is often best in treating TMJ disorders.”

The only really effective way to work TMJ pain is, as always, holistically.   Constantly and consistently addressing every health issue when it first comes up is the best way to avoid more serious – or painful – issues.  Also, this is true of many more things than temporomandibular joint pain.  We will talk about possible “do no harm” treatment solutions later in this article.

Possible Causes of Dysfunction

According to the New York Times

I am going to be drawing from the New York Times article for this section.  The Times researchers state that TMJ problems were originally thought to stem from dental malocclusion.  This term refers to the misalignment of the upper and lower teeth.  Improper jaw position was cited, emphatically, as a common reason for misalignment.  This philosophy prompted a focus on replacing missing teeth.  Patients were often fitted with braces in an attempt to realign their teeth.  Attempts to change how the jaws came together also used uncomfortable and expensive braces.

Later studies revealed that malocclusion was an infrequent cause of facial pain and TMJ symptoms.  In addition, Boston specialists, in the New England Journal of Medicine, wrote, “the cause is now considered multifactorial, with biologic, behavioral, environmental, social, emotional and cognitive factors, alone or in combination, contributing to the development of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders.”

According to the American Academy of Orofacial Pain, the disorder “usually involves more than one symptom and rarely has a single cause.”

Among the “mechanical” causes that are now recognized as contributing to TMJ disorders are:

1. Congenital or developmental abnormalities of the jaw
2. Displacement of the disc between the jaw bones
3. Inflammation or arthritis causing the joint to degenerate
4. Traumatic injury to the joint.  Sometimes, this is caused by just opening the mouth too wide.
5. Tumors
6. Infections
7. Excessive laxity or tightness of the muscles of this joint.

In addition, according to the Times, simple acts like chewing, talking excessively or yawning can make symptoms worse.  Jaw-irritating habits like clenching the teeth or jaw or tooth grinding at night increase pressure.  Biting the lips or fingernails, as well as chewing gum or chewing a pencil can make the problems worse or longer lasting.  Psychological factors also play a role.  This is especially true of depression, anxiety or stress.

Schools of thought

I always find it interesting to note how far apart in philosophy the conventional model is from the alternative model.  Below is just one more example.  Who to trust becomes the question of the day.

Conventional dental model:  Keep the jaw closed.  The upper and lower teeth should be touching all day long.  Therefore, all of the teeth must be aligned properly.

CranioSacral model:  The normal healthy relationship between the upper and lower jaws is one in which the teeth have no need to touch except when chewing.  This is considered to be true even when the mouth is closed and the person is breathing through their nose.  Try it.  Concentrating on this seems to be taking a lot of tension off my own still a tiny bit sore joint.

Remote Causes of TMJ

As stated previously,  The Heart of Listening, by Hugh Milne, is one of my favorite CranioSacral books.  Milne, in this very comprehensive book, talks about TMJ disorders.  He claims that pain in this joint can be caused by problems “as remote to the jaw as foot pronation or pelvic imbalances.”  Certainly, temporomandibular joint pain flared up for me, both times, when I was having trouble with an old sacrum injury.

Risk Factors

It has become apparent that certain things predispose some people to TMJ disorders.  Some of these are:

• Gender.  More women develop TMJ than men.
• Pain Tolerance:  A particularly low tolerance for even mild pain is a factor.
• Age:  Women between 18 and 44 years old. (So, what am I doing with it at my age?)
• Chronic pain:  Individuals who suffer from chronic pain like headaches and lower back pain are definitely in a higher risk category.  This makes sense to me.  Clenching your jaw against constant pain would certainly predispose one to TMJ issue.
• Genetics:  Genetic markers for increased stress response, inflammation, or psychological disorders.

Treatment of TMJ Disorders

Don’t Annoy It

Before we discuss treatments options, remember that the best treatment is often to do nothing.  That is pretty much what my dentist said when I asked him what to do about my TMJ pain.  He said, “Don’t’ annoy it!”  Then, when he had my mouth stretched wide open to fix a broken tooth, he added, “By the way, I am annoying it!  Sorry.”   It is absolutely essential to healing and pain relief that you eliminate, at least for time, foods that require much chewing at all.  Nuts and meats are absolute “no-nos”.

According to the New York Times, surgery and braces should be options of last resort!  So, what else has proven successful?

Essential Oils

Essential oils are perfectly designed to treat TMJ.  Nearly all essential oils are anti-inflammatory to some extent.  Many are outstanding anti-inflammatory agents.  In addition, many essential oils are sedative and pain-relieving.  Moreover, the same oils are also anti-bacterial.  What a blessing essential oils are.  I can tell you from recent personal experience that oils relieve TMJ pain.  They do more than relieve pain.  In addition, essential oils reduce inflammation.  They aid the jaw to heal.  Essential oils quiet the trigeminal nerve.  Essential oils also stimulate circulation which, in turn, eases muscle pain and tightness.

What about essential oils and the prevention of TMJ issues?  Well, we know that essential oils relieve anxiety.  They can help us be better at handling stress.  Depression, listed as a cause of TMJ, often responds to essential oils.

Some Suggested Essential Oil Blends

I will be referring here to essential oils from Butterfly Express.  Many (still most) of Butterfly’s blends were my “babies”.  They are what I know and I know that they are pure and effective!  (It is fun to see my daughter, my son-in-law, and a key employee beginning to create blends.  They are proving to be very good at blending!)

^LeMillenia

First and foremost, also is ^LeMillenia.  This blend works well with both muscles and nerves.  Most importantly, it realigns physical and energetic structures.  ^LeMillenia will help to hold the mandible snugly in the socket of the jaw.  The aroma of ^LeMillenia inspires courage and builds confidence.  Anxiety, when one is confident of one’s abilities, lessens.  This amazing blend is inspiring and calming at the same time!

^LePatches

^LePatches repairs and heals damaged tissues, tendons, and ligaments.  The tiny muscles and ligament of the TMJ respond quickly to ^LePatches.  In addition, ^LePatches is strongly anti-inflammatory. This blend promotes healing, in part, because it increases blood flow to the area where it is applied.  ^LePatches is particularly effective applied to tight muscles in the neck and shoulder.  Reducing stress in this muscles allows the jaw to relax.

Gingergrass is a key ingredient in this blend.  An unusual essential, gingergrass is both an anti-depressant and an analgesic (pain relieving) essential oil.  I love the description of the emotional and spiritual aspects of this blend in the book,  Butterfly Miracles with Essential Oils.   “The aroma of gingergrass makes me want to smile and then forget about petty annoyances.  Gingergrass lifts the spirits and reduces feelings of being stressed to the limits of endurance.”

Another wonderful ingredient of ^LePatches is frankincense.  There is so much that could be said about frankincense, also.

^LeFortitude

Five of the most anti-inflammatory blends in the Butterfly line make up this special blend.  Singles oils, blended together, create a unique synergy.  The sum is greater than the parts.  Blending blends together creates a very unique synergy.  Each blend maintains its own integrity while still contributing to the whole.  The only analogy I can think of is the various sections of instruments in an orchestra.  Each instrument is very much itself while contributing to the section.  The separate essential oils in each blend are like the separate instruments.  Each blend is like the various sections of the orchestra.  The woodwinds consist of more than one type of instrument, but they are still in the woodwind section.  The single oils in a blend are the same way.  Each complete blend, like each complete section, then becomes a unique part of the whole.

^LeFortitude is fast becoming one of my favorite blends.  I use it frequently.  It always brings relief and healing!

^LeQuietEssence

The valerian in this blend contains some unique volatile components.  Essential oils commonly produced for therapeutic use do not, typically, contain these components.  The focus of these unique components is nerve damage and nervous tension.  Rue is another singular and seldom used essential oil.  Its nervine properties are very strong.  Note: rue is too strong to use as a single.  It is, however, excellent as a small part of a blend.  Rue, emotionally, is specific to regret and grief.  Formulas containing rue are used for anxiety, anger management, and pain relief.  St. John’s wort is another amazing, and unusual, nervine and analgesic oil.  St. John’s Wort is recommended for depression and nerve damage.  Lavender, orange sweet, and rosewood complete this amazing blend.  Each of these oils is remarkable mood lifting and relaxing agents.

With these essential oils working together synergistically, QuietEssence is an effective blend!  The most amazing thing about the blending of it, in my mind, is that is doesn’t have an offensive aroma.  Accomplishing that, with valerian and rue as ingredients, is quite an accomplishment!

^LeIntensity

This blend just cried out to be included here.  What a unique list of ingredients!  The synergy is incredible!  I could not pick out the separate oils, even after I had the list in my hand!  Capsicum – circulation.  Helichrysum – healing.  A very tender oil.  However, it is not “stomped on” one bit in this amazing blend.  Gingergrass is discussed above.  Camphor – I did not think it possible to create a blend with camphor that I would ever love as I love this blend.  Hemp and turmeric are very unique ingredients.  In my opinion, this is the strongest anti-inflammatory blend that I have ever seen!  Be sure to dilute well, however!  My own jaw has loved it!  I am currently using it on a small hip issue.  Too much cannot be said about the effectiveness of this blend! (And I can’t even take credit for creating it! )

Some Suggested Essential Oil Singles

Anthopogon

This is a unique and very unusual essential oil.  A bit expensive, but worth every penny, in my opinion.  Anthopogon is anti-inflammatory.  It is renowned in Nepal for systemic infections.  This amazing oil was tested, in Italy, against 3 very nasty and fast-growing cancers. Anthopogon reduced cancer cell growth in all three types of cancer, every time!  In addition to being deadly against cancers, Anthopogon is a powerful immune stimulant!  What more could be wanted in one single essential oil?  Aroma?  Anthopogon has a beautiful aroma.  It is warming to the soul.  The focus of Anthopogon, however, is memories.  Remembering the good times and the good people that we have known!  What could be more stress reducing than that?

Helichrysum

In my opinion, helichrysum earns its reputation for rejuvenation of skin and muscle.  Helichrysum is also both anti-inflammatory and analgesic.  This makes it excellent for TMJ.  Helichrysum is often used in emotional work.  Learning disabilities also, many times, respond to helichrysum.  This delicate yet hardworking essential oil stimulates the right, more creative and intuitive, side of the brain.  With the two hemispheres of the brain working together, we are able to make choices from a more balanced perspective.

Saro

Saro is one of my favorite single essential oils.  This oil smells less medicinal than tea tree.  It is proving just as effective as an anti-bacterial.  The bacteria against which Saro has proven effective include those responsible for vaginal infections and some interesting heart and lung issues.

Saro is a potent autoimmune builder.  Since there appears to be a link between autoimmune disorders and trigeminal nerve issues, this is very important!  As a bonus, Saro is also strongly anti-inflammatory.   The application of Saro typically relieves muscle pain and stiffness.   As a newcomer to the world of therapeutic essential oils, research into the healing properties of Saro are ongoing.

Additional Essential Oils for TMJ

My recent bout with TMJ hit quickly and hard.  It has been no fun at all!  It did, however, give me a chance to “play’ with my essential oils.  The essential oils that I found most useful are the ones discussed above.  Below is a list of other essential oils suggested for TMJ.

Lavender – relaxing, pain relieving, anti-inflammatory.   Peppermint –  antispasmodic muscle relaxant.   Marjoram –  strongly sedative, anti-inflammatory, a muscle relaxant.   Eucalyptus – pain relieving, antiviral, antibacterial.  Grapefruit – emotional and stress reducing.   Clary sage – antispasmodic, pain-relieving, antiseptic, clears the mind.   Chamomile – calming and analgesic.  Specific to the cranial nerve.  One site suggested mixing clary sage with chamomile – interesting thought, that.   Frankincense –  you can never go wrong with frankincense.   Sandalwood – muscle relaxant but emotional, mostly, in this case.

Many single essential oils have both anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.  Nevertheless, a single oil rarely matches the synergy of a well-done blend.  Keep this in mind as you choose your oils.  Besides the blends listed above, one might consider any blend containing one or more of the singles listed above.  You might even try creating a blend of your own.  I, certainly, want to see what clary sage and chamomile do when mixed together!

Applying (Massaging, really) Essential Oils into the Jaw

When using essential oils for pain relief or to reduce inflammation, apply the oils topically.  Many analgesic oils are quite strong, even a bit caustic.  They, like any essential oil, should be diluted well before application to the skin.  Suggested carrier oils for relief from pain or inflammation include tamanu, argan, black cumin (also known as the black seed), and hemp.  These oils have anti-inflammatory properties of their own.   These carrier oils enhance the properties of the essential oils.  The oils listed above for their emotional and relaxing properties are, also excellent when diffused.

Steps for TMJ Massage

1. Place a small amount of carrier oil in the palm of your hand.  Add 2 or 3 drops of essential oil.  Stir together.
2. With the mixed oil on your fingers, begin to massage.  Place your fingers on the side of your face level with the bottom of your earlobe.
3. Massage upward using tiny circles.  Use a light touch and very little pressure.  This seems to be more effective than one a single sliding motions.  I suggest that you try it both ways. Repeat this motion several times.  Do not, however, over-do it in one session.  You are working the masseter muscle.  While it is a tough muscle, it is very inflamed with TMJ.  Go gently, especially at first.
4.  Repeat, as above, but begin at the level of your earlobe.  Massage upward to your hairline.  This works with the part of the temporal bone that forms the jaw socket.
5. Using three fingertips, work downward from the cheekbone a few times.
6. Next, use your knuckles to gently massage the from the cheekbones towards the mouth.
7. Last, start on the mastoid bones (right behind the ears).  Massage downward to the collarbone. Use as much firmness as relaxing the muscle requires.  Larger circles are needed here.  A bit of “digging in” may also be appropriate.   Massaging the muscles of the neck, in this manner, is extremely important!  Tightening of the neck muscles, and even those in the shoulder, often play a large role in TMJ pain.

Reapply the oil and carrier mix to your fingertips as often as needed.  You can, and probably should repeat this massage several times a day.  It is also acceptable to do only those parts you feel are appropriate and helpful at the time.  These techniques helped my own jaw a lot!

Jaw Exercises

I did considerable research when trying to make my own TMJ pain go away.  In the process, I came across this link.  https://www.healthline.com/health/tmj-exercises#exercise.   It shows 9 basic exercises for the jaw.  These exercises, as you will see from the article accompanying the video, were put together by people with reasonably impressive credentials.  I found exercises 5 – 9 particularly helpful.

CranioSacral therapy – amazing!!!

CranioSacral is an amazing modality.  If you are not familiar with it, you should be – in my opinion!  Better yet, come and learn the basics, and a bit more, here with us at Butterfly Expressions, LLC.

Position of Head and Neck

The pain may be in the jaw but more than the jaw needs to be treated, in most cases. This is an important thing to remember.

The problem could be originating in the temporal bones of the head.  The bottom of the temporal bones contains the cup in which the condyles of the mandible sit and move.   The muscles on the side of the face also play a part.  I found it very helpful to use essential oils and massage to keep them relaxed.  The neck muscles also play a large role.  My own experience:  The neck muscles on the opposite side of the eventual TMJ issue were tight and sore for weeks before the pain began.  If you think about it for a moment, this makes sense anatomically.  The spinal connection to the occiput (the back of the head) must also be loose and normal.  Whiplash injuries can create TMJ problems.  Any injury to the neck and spine may result in jaw pain.

An improper position in front of a computer screen for more than a few minutes a day is a problem for many.  This certainly contributed to my own issues!  I raised my monitors (yes, plural, I have two on each computer).  I no longer have to scrunch my head down into my shoulders.  The monitors also sit closer to me than they did before.  That new position means that I no longer push my head forward on my neck to see the screen better.  Since I spend several hours a day on my computer, these changes made a big difference.  I think the position I was taking at my desk was a big part of the creation of the problem.  I know making these changes was a big part of healing.

Homeopathic Remedies

Causticum

Keynote symptom is pain in the jaw (or jaws) with difficulty opening mouth.  The symptoms of a Causticum situation are usually, but not always, right-sided.

It is important that mental and emotional symptoms, as always with homeopathic remedies, should match.  One keynote mental symptom is being overly sympathetic to the pain of others.  Nursing or night-watching with sick persons is mentioned.  I particularly found the next one fascinating.  “Keeping late hours or missing sleep from taking care of or worrying about someone.”  (Valaree, my daughter, was finishing up a difficult pregnancy and delivery at this time.  I was there for much of it!)   Grief from feeling betrayed.  Holding grudges.  Fear of impending doom.  Cannot tolerate seeing injustice or being treated unfairly.   (Now you all know much more about my mental state at the time than I am comfortable with!)

“Being absent-minded” was one unique symptom.    Absent-mindedness was certainly a match for my symptoms just before and during the painful period.  The “spaciness’ just about made me crazy for a few days.  “Spaciness” is even mentioned in the remedy description.

A couple of doses of Causticum completed the healing.  I should have thought of homeopathy sooner!

Rhus Toxicodendron

Rhus-t is a polycrest remedy for joint injuries, joint pain, and arthritis.  (A polycrest is a homeopathic remedy that is of value to most everyone at some time in their lives.)  Muscle strain and tendonitis are also listed.  Remember, there are small but very hard-working tendons and muscles in this complicated joint.  The mental/emotional picture of this remedy includes dwelling on past disagreeable occurrences, usually when waking in the middle of the night.

Psorinum

Psorinum is considered a primary remedy for TMJ.  This is a remedy used to treat many conditions that are common to the human family. “Poverty consciousness” is one of the keynote symptoms of this remedy. Others are allergies and hay fever as well as wanting warm clothing, even in the summer.

Other Possible Remedies

There are many other remedies mentioned as possibilities for TMJ, also.  Among them are Arum-t, Ign amara, Stry, Calc-p, Calc-s, Fel-ac, Phos, and Spig

Other ideas

1.  Moist Heat.  Heat from a heat pack or a hot water bottle.  The most effective way is to wrap the heat source in a moist towel.
2.  Ice.  Cold can decrease inflammation.  It may also numb the pain a bit.  As with heat, it is best not to apply directly to the skin.  Wrap in a soft towel.
3.  Alternate hot and cold. This is much as you would for a sprained and inflamed ankle.
4.  Side Sleeping.  Sleep on your side.  Be sure to have good pillow support between your shoulder and neck.
5. Relax your facial Yawning  Pay attention to when, and why, you clench your jaws.  Make an effort to keep your teeth slightly apart except when chewing.
6. Yawning. Support your chin with your hand as you yawn.  This will help prevent damage to your jaw.  It will also prevent your jaw from locking open.  Do not let your jaw slip sideways as you yawn.

Prevention of TMJ Problems

1.  Eliminate clenching your jaw.  Do this on your own, or get professional treatment.
2. Avoid cradling your phone between your shoulder and your neck.
3. If you are experiencing even a little bit of jaw pain, avoid chewing gum.  Avoid chewing things such as caramels, also.  Do not bite down hard on anything for a few days.
4. Avoid chewing large chunks of meat.  Smaller portions are much easier on the jaws.
5. Avoid always chewing on the same side of your mouth.
6. Avoid too much stress.  Learn relaxation techniques.  Make use of essential oils to help you relax, especially during the night!

To Continue your learning journey check out the Essential Oil Class