TMJ Syndrome

Today’s blog is about TMJ Disorder or TMJ Syndrome, a serious jaw and neck issue that affects more than 3 million people each year. Women aged 18-44 are at increased risk. It’s also about the opportunities you have to rid yourself of this troublesome pain. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder has little to do with your teeth, but a lot to do with your jaw and your neck. There’s a plate (temporal) on the side of your face running under the temple to your jaw, the mandible, forming a joint, the TMJ. It connects your jaw to your skull. Open your jaw all the way and then shut it. Can’t do that without a functioning TMJ.

If your head is flexed forward, the upper neck and torso muscles are busy holding the head in place, forcing the wrong muscles to open and close the jaw. One day, there may just be popping or pain as the jaw opens and closes; later, the jaw may not open at all. Grinding your teeth, clenching your jaw, stress, and anxiety are key contributors to the problem. These actions often send sufferers to the dentist’s chair, which may not be the right place to be. There is no specific dental or medical test to diagnose TMJ, so a physical therapist or an alignment therapist might more properly be the source to seek out for relief.

In my view, the major cause of TMJ Syndrome is tight, weak or non-working muscles. Tense shoulder muscles, plus stress, make TMJ Disorder worse. WebMD.com acknowledges that poor posture and weakness in the neck and upper back muscles can cause TMJ. I certainly agree with that view. We developed an everyday DIY program for TMJ Syndrome. You can come to see us at the clinic or you can go to our website and download the TMJ Disorder corrective exercise program.

It’s an easy series to do, takes about 20 minutes a day. The pain and difficulty in using your jaw will ease as your head and shoulders return to nature’s design. You will get your life back in a few weeks.

UP NEXT AT BODYFIX: BodyFix Method™ presents a monthly workshop series, Self-Care for Scoliosis, to learn self-care techniques for those diagnosed with scoliosis. We are offering a safe and hands-on clinic setting to explore the nature and specifics of this condition and how to find ease and relief. Come and learn about scoliosis, what it is, what it means for you and most important what you can do to heal yourself. Bill Boland, BodyFix Method™ founder, and Anita Halton, Alignment Therapist, will guide you through a deeper understanding of this condition and lead essential exercises to alleviate pain and discomfort.

SIGN UP HERE!

Saturdays 10am-1pm 
April 25th: Scoliosis & Breathing 
May 16th: Scoliosis & Internal Organs 
June 13th: Scoliosis & Your Balance 
July 18th: Scoliosis & the Nervous System

$125 per workshop date USE PROMO CODE: workshops2015 SAVE $25!

Living pain free is a choice. You can make that choice. If your pain is just a nagging ache, come in Thursdays 5:45pm – 6:45pm for a restorative movement class. The class will help to restore balance, function, and it will reduce pain. That’s a guarantee. If your pain is severe or if you want more individualized attention, go to: www.bodyfixmethod.com or call 212.982.2639 and schedule a hands-on appointment with one of our therapists. Email info@bodyfixmethod.com to schedule your Complimentary Evaluation (30 min) today! You will be glad you did.