Do you often have a headache, or suffer from neck pain?

When you have a headache or neck pain, you might not think that your jaw could actually be the cause. However, the temporo-mandibular joint, or TMJ, could be the reason you are suffering. The TMJ is the hinge-like joint connecting the jaw to the skull. It enables the jaw to move up and down and from side to side, so that you can laugh, talk, chew and yawn.

There is a lot of wear and tear on this joint as it continually moves, and if something goes wrong, it presents various symptoms, which can worsen overtime. The dysfunction of the TMJ may cause referred pain in the form of headaches, neck pain and even shoulder aches. It is not always easy to diagnose, but there are symptoms to look out for. Fortunately, once an accurate diagnosis is confirmed, the TMJ disorder often responds well to treatment.

Causes of TMJ disorder and related pain.

The actual cause of the headaches and neck pain is not known. However, the muscles of this joint run along your jaw and cheeks, and sometimes, when the jaw muscles tense up, this can cause pain and even headaches. Studies have shown that when you grind your teeth, either consciously, or unconsciously at night when you sleep, the jaw movement and tension can cause pain in your neck, as well as the side of your face, and may develop into a serious headache.

Research has also indicated that TMJ pain and headaches may also be related to osteoarthritis or hypermobility - which is extreme movement of the jaw joint. A visit to the doctor can help with these issues.

Managing the pain.

Experts agree that changing small behaviours associated with the jaw may help to reduce the pain. These include:

·        Avoiding hard food which needs to be well-chewed before swallowing.

·        The same applies to sweets such as toffees, or chewing gum which needs to be constantly chewed.

·        Try to reduce stress and anxiety – both of which can lead to jaw clenching, and increase the pain.

Conservative over-the counter anti-inflammatory medications may provide relief, and even stronger meds prescribed by a doctor, can also reduce the symptoms. However, medications for TMJ need to be ongoing, as at best are only temporary, and should not be seen as permanent solutions.

Alternative treatments.

Recent studies by chronic pain specialists have suggested that hypnotherapy, in conjunction with neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) may be of great value to those living with chronic pain conditions. Hypnotherapy has been used for decades with great success in the world of alternative treatments, and has become a very popular method for patients looking for a safe, natural therapy with no side effects.

Combined with NLP, which helps to create a new mindset regarding chronic pain, including TMJ, the test results were very encouraging. Note that TMJ disorder sufferers are not looking to have less pain – they are looking to have no pain at all.

Hypnosis can help to attain this goal. For more information contact Matthew Tweedie Hypnosis.org.