Skip to main content

Sleeping With TMJ

Something that not a lot of people address is- Sleeping with TMJ. 

 When someone has a TMD, the joint that connects their lower and upper jaw is dysfunctional, resulting in facial pain and other discomforts. At night, that tension in the muscles can make it hard to find a pain-free position, and the attempt to create one can be frustrating and upsetting. We want to help you get the most out of your sleep, and you deserve restful nights without pain. Here are some ways you can manage TMJ symptoms for a better night of sleep.

The No. 1 Position

Strain on the face, head, jaw or neck can make your TMD sleep struggle even harder. Chances are, if you wake up hurting, the position you’ve been using isn’t the best call. The No. 1 recommended sleeping position for TMD sufferers is on the back. Why? It puts no pressure on the jaw, supports the neck and shoulders, and you’re less likely to grind your teeth—a symptom many TMD sufferers exhibit. (Bonus! This is also the optimal sleep position for your spine.)

TMD Sleeping Quick Tips

Sometimes, sleeping in the right position isn’t enough—it’s just too hard to relax, and the pain is distracting. Here are some no-med TMJ-tailored sleeping techniques and bedtime tips to help you out.

Get the right pillow. A rounded orthopedic pillow—or in a pinch situation, a rolled bath towel—placed under the neck will certainly help. This supports and extends the neck in a way that doesn’t strain muscles and minimizes grinding or tension. Ask your chiropractor for help selecting the best one for you.

Arm position is key. Sleeping on your back may seem limiting, especially if you’re not used to it, but remember you can utilize your arms and legs, placing them in ways that seem more comfortable. Just don’t pull your arms up by your head—that can strain your neck, causing more jaw pain.

Pay attention to your tongue. Weird, we know, but if your tongue is pushing against your front teeth when you’re resting, you might need to retrain it. Proper tongue rest should separate your teeth and relax your jaw.

Try some bedtime yoga. Some light yoga before bed, especially a routine designed for neck pain and TMJ relief, could really help you relax. The “Superman” pose is a good starting point. Check with your doctor first if you’re unsure if yoga is right for you.

Treat yourself. TMDs are exacerbated by stress, which can cause more teeth clenching and muscle tension… which in turn causes more stress. Break the cycle by finding something that relaxes you. Maybe the scent of lavender essential oil. Maybe a certain kind of music. Find what makes you feel your calmest and embrace it.

The Long-Term Solution

The best way to ensure a restful night of TMJ relief is by investing in a long-term solution, and we’re not talking surgery or medication. Chiropractic care can alleviate some of the symptoms of TMD through manipulation of the jaw and muscles surrounding it, potentially relieving tension and pain. Whether those symptoms are trouble chewing/speaking without pain, headaches or sleepless nights, chiropractic care can help address your TMD/TMJ symptoms at the root of the problem.
3/20/2017 | By Chiro One Wellness Centers


Call today and schedule an appointment 321-783-1960

Dr. Steve Alukonis is the only Diplomate of the American Board of Chiropractic Orthopedists in the Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral area and one of very few in the county. He has been in practice for over 25+ years right here in Cocoa Beach, Florida.



Please visit our website to learn more about what we do at Space Coast Advanced Health


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

8 Reasons why you should see a Chiropractic Orthopedist (DABCO) after an auto accident.

Image
A chiropractor who is a Diplomate of the American Board of Chiropractic Orthopedists (DABCO) has more extensive training in the subject than other chiropractors.  Chiropractic Orthopedist are committed to extensive ongoing education in the treatment and management of a wide array of orthopedic conditions that may require the use of advanced techniques. Chiropractic Orthopedists have extensive post graduate education on spine care They are trained to read MRI’s of your neck and back Advanced training in the Orthopedic and Neurological testing needed to evaluate auto injuries The Mastering of whiplash injury treatments to enhance healing Chiropractic Orthopedist’s are trained to document daily evaluations on treatments Proficient in at least 5 chiropractic techniques. This will better match up the individual and injury to the best technique, thus yielding better results Having a higher level of education, The Chiropractic Orthopedist can give expert testimon
Read more

Can Damaged Nerves Regenerate?

Image
First, it’s important to realize that damage can occur when enough pressure is applied to any living tissue. The anatomy of our nerves includes many micro-structures such as the blood vessels that bring needed oxygen to the several layers of the nerve. If the nerve is deprived of oxygen long enough, there can be damage to its infrastructure, similar to a heart attack damaging the heart muscle.  A pinched nerve results in symptoms that include numbness, tingling, weakness, and in some cases, burning sensations. There are three stages of nerve damage that can be simplified into mild, moderate, and severe, and the ability for nerves to regenerate depends largely on the amount of damage and the length of time that has passed before treatment is sought out. Generally speaking, it has been well reported that the nerves that make up the peripheral nervous system (the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord) have the ability to regenerate, while those within the central nervous sy
Read more

Chronic Pain and Whiplash

Image
Most sprains and strains typically take six weeks to recover, provided the patient receives proper care, which may include self-management strategies. However, something is different about a whiplash associated disorders (WAD) injury in that many patients do not recover. At the Whiplash 2017 Symposium held in Australia, Dr. Michele Sterling stated, “Whiplash associated disorders are a costly burden to Australian society. Up to 50% of people who experience a whiplash injury will never fully recover. Whiplash is resistant to treatment and no early management approach has yet been shown to prevent chronic pain. We are hoping this study will provide a promising treatment for chronic pain.” Experts in the field presented important information about the development and prevention of disorders associated with a WAD injury such as chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression after trauma. The University of North Carolina’s Dr. Samuel McLean reported that app
Read more