Have you committed yourself to seeking regular chiropractic care for TMJ in Oklahoma City but want to know if you can further maximize the relief you experience with the help of hot and cold therapy? You’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll explore the dos and don’ts of using hot and cold therapy for TMJ pain relief so you can boost your current efforts to improving your symptoms. By following our simple tips and tricks, you can alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ at home and get back to living your life.

The Reality of Living with TMJ Pain

When you have TMJ pain, it can be extremely painful. The muscle tension and inflammation in the jaw can make it hard to open or close your mouth fully. This can make eating and drinking difficult and lead to other problems like dehydration or malnutrition. It can also be very debilitating especially if interferes with sleep. Just imagine waking up feeling drained and demotivated and noticing significant discomfort in your TMJ.

Already painful and frustrating on its own merits, TMJ disorder is a sign of an underlying problem that needs attention–and ignoring this issue could lead to further health issues down the line. Doctors speculate that TMJ disorders may be caused by several factors including:

Grinding one’s teeth

Sometimes called bruxism, this often occurs while sleeping or when stressed out or anxious about the things happening in your life.

Having an atlas subluxation

Atlas subluxation refers to the deviation from the normal alignment between the C1 and C1 vertebrae. It mostly happens after a traumatic neck or head injury. And it persists for years without getting detected until you start noticing health concerns like jaw pain, headaches, and neck pain.

Genetics

Some people are genetically predisposed to develop chronic issues like TMJ. If you have a family member with TMJ, you should consider looking into your jaw pain to assess and mitigate your risks as soon as possible.

Temperature Therapy for TMJ Pain Relief

Hot and cold compresses are an excellent and simple way to manage TMJ pain at home especially when you have flare-ups. You can also use them in conjunction with your Upper Cervical Chiropractic adjustments. However, you must use hot and cold therapy wisely and with caution to avoid issues like skin burns or increased swelling.

Using Cold Compress for TMJ Pain Relief

The cold compress is an effective way to reduce inflammation and swelling in the jaw. Wrap a few ice cubes in a towel and hold it against the affected area for 10-15 minutes, then remove it for 10-15 minutes before reapplying. Don’t put ice directly on the skin. Also, avoid using cold compresses for more than 20 minutes at a time, as prolonged exposure can result in skin rashes or burns.

Using Hot Compress for TMJ Pain Relief

The heat from a warm compress can help to increase blood flow and relax the muscles in the jaw. You can use a warm towel or a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. Hold it against the affected area for 10-15 minutes. But, avoid using a hot compress if there is any swelling or inflammation, as this could worsen the condition.

Want Long-Term TMJ Relief? Try Chiropractic Care for TMJ in Oklahoma City

Surely enough, hot and cold therapy can provide relief from TMJ pain. But, unlike Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care, they don’t target the root cause of the pain. As a result if you want to continue seeing improvements in your symptom, be sure to keep up with your appointments.

Maintaining your adjustments can make a huge difference in your life and the intensity of your TMJ pain. So, even after correcting your atlas and axis bone adjustments, it would be very helpful to continue coming in for consultation and regular chiropractic care for TMJ in Oklahoma City.

Dr. Sheppard of Precision Chiropractic is always here to lend you a hand in keeping your atlas and axis bones in proper alignment. Book your follow-up appointment today and continue living a pain-free life.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Sheppard, call our Oklahoma City office at 405-378-3100. You can also click the button below.