Home remedies for ATM-conquer your pain

Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, is a condition that causes the jaw joints to "freeze", so it can be painful and difficult to eat or speak. The most common symptoms of TMJ include facial swelling along the side of the face, painful chewing, pain in the ears, difficulty moving the jaw, stiffness, and headaches. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor immediately. There are several home remedies for ATM that can help solve the problem and eliminate pain and discomfort.

TMJ has many causes, such as grinding teeth when you sleep, poor dental work, genetic makeup, and some bone problems. Very often, people who are under a lot of stress will suffer from the TMJ, as they are most likely to gnash their teeth while they sleep. For this reason, something as simple as some relaxation techniques can help you relax so that you don't brush your teeth and your TMJ symptoms disappear.

For others, you can take a little more to get relief and you should talk to your doctor before you try any herbal remedies, as they may have a bad interaction with prescription or over-the-counter medications you are already taking.

Here are some easy-to-use home treatments for the ATM:

1. Try to eat more fresh fruits, whole grains, chicken and fish low in fat, garlic, eggs and brown rice. These foods can help reduce inflammation that may decrease the symptoms of TMJ. Also, by eating softer foods, you are not forcing your jaws as much as you would if you were eating harder and more chewy foods.

2. The use of herbal remedies that have been shown to help relieve stress can also help. Try these herbs: passionflower, catnip, valerian, Nettle, St. Johs Herb and chamomile. Many of these can be prepared in a relaxing cup of tea.

3. To help reduce pain, use a hot compress or thermal pad. Just place it in the pain spot for a few minutes.

4. If you tend to sleep sideways, try to retrain yourself to sleep on your back. When you sleep sideways, it's easier for the jaw to get out of alignment. If you need it, you can use some small pillows or a pair of socks placed next to your head to not turn sideways overnight.

5. Try several stress relieving exercises, such as yoga, to help you relax. Once again, stress can be one of the main causes of TMJ, so the more stress-free you are less likely to have any symptoms. Not only can you alleviate your stress relieving your TMJ symptoms, but you can also have many other positive health benefits.

Many people can use one or more of these home remedies to TMJ and find relief. Just be sure to talk to your doctor before using any herbal supplements. You can get some relief from this painful condition, just keep trying different things until you find the one that best suits your needs.