A Clicking Jaw is a Sign of Stress

It is often heard and seen that the levels of stress experienced by Generation X and Y is considerably higher than that of previous generations. The cause of this growing stress has been attributed to a number of factors stemming from professional and personal lives. In recent times however, the global financial crisis has been the major cause for stress and various aspects of people's lives have been affected due to this crisis.

During this period of recession, many thousands have lost their jobs, which has significantly increased the amount of stress affecting ordinary people. In addition, rising debt and lack of finance options has also resulted in more furrowing of the brows.

Stress is not good for health - physical and mental health and while this has often been said and several stress-related afflictions are commonly known, there are some stress-related problems that may not be as well known. Clicking Jaw or Popping Jaw is one such affliction and it is usually a direct result of too much stress.

In extremely worrying times, it is a common physiological reaction to clench our jaws. Frustration, anger, depression, tension and too much of stress are all common reasons why we clench our teeth and therefore create stress on the jaw joint or what is known as TMJ (temporomandibular) inflammation in medical terms.

When the TMJ is affected, one usually experiences pain at the back of the jaw, usually around the ear or near the wisdom teeth. While there may be other causes of the pain, jaw pain or TMJ dysfunction as it also known, should not be ignored as this pain can also be an indication of angina or even a heart attack.

There are various symptoms of clicking jaw and these include the obvious "clicking" sound when opening or closing the mouth, aching around the ear, pain in the jaw as well as several other tell-tale symptoms.

While many of us may be subconsciously clenching our teeth in frustration during these tough times, it might lead to a more serious affliction. Momentary jaw pain can be ignored but popping jaw or clicking jaw will usually be persistent and if this is the case, it is wise to consult a physician.

For more information on clicking jaw or TMJ pain as well as suggestions for treatment, please refer to Clicking Jaw & TMJ inflammation.

Pain & Stiffness in Your Lower Back For 2-3 Months, It's a Sign of Ankylosing Spondyilitis

Ankylosing Spondylitis is a rheumatic disease which affects the joints between the vertebrae of the spine. It causes to pain and stiffness in the various part of the body such as back, neck, hips, jaw and in some people inflamed eyes and heart valves and totally makes damage to the spinal cord.

Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondlitis :

o Chronic stooping to relieve symptoms
o Eye inflammation
o Fatigue
o Heel pain
o Hip pain and stiffness
o Joint pain and joint swelling in the shoulders, knees, and ankles
o Limited expansion of the chest
o Limited range of motion, especially involving spine and hips
o Low-back pain that is worse at night, in the morning, or after inactivity
o Loss of appetite
o Neck pain
o Slight fever
o Stiffness and limited motion in the low back
o Weight loss

The risk factors that predispose a person to ankylosing spondylitis include:

o Testing positive for the HLA-B27 marker
o A family history of AS
o Frequent gastrointestinal infections

Treatment of Ankylosing Spondlitis :

Doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and pain. Corticosteroid therapy or medications to suppress the immune system may be also prescribed. Drugs called TNF-inhibitors, which block an inflammatory protein, have been shown to improve the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis.Some health care professionals use cytotoxic drugs (drugs that block cell growth) in people who do not respond well to corticosteroids or who are dependent on high doses of corticosteroids.

Surgery is done if pain or joint damage is severe.

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic condition. Also called spondylitis or rheumatoid spondylitis, ankylosing spondylitis affects about 129 of every 100,000 people in the United States. Ankylosing spondylitis affects males 2-3 times more commonly than females.

TMJ Relief Now Using the Feldenkrais Method

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are the points where the lower jaw attaches to the skull. The TMJ is a ball and socket, with the skull being the socket, and the top of the jaw bone the ball. TMJ disorder is a term used to describe chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint.

Common symptoms of TMJ disorder include:

- pain in the TM joints associated with jaw movements.
- locking episodes.
- limited range of opening the mouth.
- facial pain or facial muscle fatigue.
- noises in the jaw like clicking, snapping, and popping.
- frequent headaches.

While mouth guards and medications work for some, TMJ therapy at the Feldenkrais Center is approached systematically. The Feldenkrais practitioner understands how the jaw attaches to the head and functions in a very particular way:

- The head is heavy and must sit on the spine in a way which allows the jaw to work properly.

- The relationship of the head to the neck and spine is altered in nearly all patients with TMJ disorder.

- Any deviation in the head and spine places an excessive strain on the entire musculoskeletal system, including the muscles and joints of the TMJ.

The Feldenkrais Method approach to TMJ treatment assumes faulty interactions between body parts can cause excessive strain and pain in places remote from the problem. For example: a stiff upper back could be the underlying cause of TMJ pain by contributing to the altered position of the head and jaw, or the belly may be so weak that the head and jaw sit forward, a position unnatural and stressful for both areas

TMJ relief is the result of improving key relationships within the head and neck, and optimizing the function of the jaw as it relates to the rest of the upper body. Feldenkrais therapy involves the whole body, including Feldenkrais exercises, the goal being to optimize key relationships and prevent your jaw from being injured again. The Feldenkrais Method is a systematic method to improve human movement and general functioning. Feldenkrais uses simple, gentle movements to reorganize posture, flexibility, strength and coordination and in doing so relieves TMJ pain. A contemporary approach to pain management, Feldenkrais integrates mind and body, harnessing the power of brain plasticity to help the body function more efficiently. More efficient use of self creates environments within which chronic pain and injuries can heal. Discover what Feldenkrais can do for you.

Hip Joint Pain Relief - Treatment, Causes and Symptoms

Hip joints form the most vital ball and socket joint of our body that supports the torso and provides the maximum mobility of our body. These joints are involved for each and every movement of the body that involves change in position. Any disturbance or dislocation of this ball and socket joint can result in painful situations. Hip pain may be felt within and any area around the hip joints. Though a common feature of aging, youngsters too experience this problem due to a variety of reasons.

Symptoms

1. Extreme discomfort in sitting, standing and other movements.
2. The pain may not be localized in hips but may be felt in the groin and thighs.
3. Any pain in the back can also pass to the hips.

Causes

1. Most of the hip joints pains result from fracture due to sudden falling down.
2. People suffering from osteoporosis are prone to fractures and dislocation of hip joints.
3. Arthritis can cause hip pains that can be felt in thighs and groin area.
4. Bursitis that cause pain in the hips while getting up from chair, walking etc.
5. Muscular sprain or strain
6. Osteonecrosis in the hips
7. Tendonitis
8. Nervous irritation
9. Sciatica or low back pain.

Some do's and don'ts in case of Hip joints pains -

Do's

1. Sitting slightly leaning backwards.
2. Equal distribution of body weight on the legs while standing.
3. Weight should be lifted and carried closer to the body.
4. Body weight should be controlled.

Don'ts

1. Minimize high impact activities like sports, running and jumping.
2. Avoid activities that require wide spreading of the legs.
3. Restrict repeated bending of the hips.
4. Never sleep exerting pressure on the affected hips. It is advisable to sleep lying on the back or on stomach.
5. Avoid too much stair climbing that produces lots of frictions on the hip joints.
6. Prolonged sitting can worsen hip pains.

Treatments and Remedies

1. Various analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like acetaminophen and ibuprofen are prescribed to provide relief from joint pains.

2. Hip replacement surgery is also performed especially in case of osteonecrosis and acute arthritis.

3. Herbal extracts of Cat's claw and Boswelia Serrata are very helpful in reducing the hip pain.

4. A massage of the Rumatone Gold herbal oils with Rumatone capsules gives good results.

Various stretching and muscle toning exercises are very beneficial in treating hip joints pains. But before starting the stretching exercises, a 15 minutes heat treatment is necessary that can be done through heated bath or shower. Heat helps in preparing the tissues of the hip muscles to be ready for the exercises.

Nutritional Considerations for the Prevention and Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease. Degenerative arthritis consists of the mechanical abnormalities of a particular joint that leads to the decay and break down of the joint cartilage and bone. Degenerative joint disease can be primarily caused by hereditary, developmental inefficiencies, metabolic alterations, and mechanical stresses, and nutritional deficiencies. In many situations, osteoarthritis accompanies other conditions such as diabetes, inflammatory diseases (Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lyme's Disease, Gout, etc), obesity, traumatic injury, and blood disorders.

Nutritionally, there are multiple minerals, vitamins and herbs than can give relief for a person that experiences pain and discomfort due to osteoarthritis. Although peer-reviewed literature occasionally demonstrates conflicting results when comparing nutritional and herbal therapies, clinical results prove the overwhelming effectiveness of supporting the natural biological process that is dependent on micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals.

• Glucosamine sulfate: Glucosamine sulfate is used to stimulate the rebuilding of damaged cartilage. It is not known to interfere with anti-inflammatory drugs, although some companies process their glucosamine sulfate with sodium chloride which can negatively affect a person's symptoms.


• Vitamin C - Iron - Alpha-ketoglutaric Acid: These substances are required for hydroxylation of L-proline to L-hydroxyproline which is needed for quality collagen production. Some of the best foods to get these nutrients include chard, spinach, kidney beans, kale, papaya, bell peppers, and broccoli.


• Manganese: Manganese is a trace mineral that's important for tissue repair including skin, bone and cartilage. Manganese is also important for the natural production of the superoxide dismutase (SOD), a powerful antioxidant enzyme. According to Katherine Toye,"Manganese-based SOD helps prevent the deleterious effects of the super oxide free radical from destroying cellular components, and without it, cells are susceptible to damage and inflammation. Immediately after trauma, the body starts coding for more SOD1 to be produced, and repletion of manganese after inflammatory trauma is necessary to keep the free radical defense system in proper working order."


• Vitamin D and Calcium: Vitamin D is required for calcium absorption in the gut and maintaining calcium and phosphate concentrations to enable normal mineralization of bone and prevent hypocalcemic tetany (spasms that result from lack of minerals in the blood stream). Vitamin D is also needed for bone growth and bone remodeling by osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Without enough vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, or misshapen. Vitamin D sufficiency prevents rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Together with calcium, vitamin D also helps protect older adults from osteoporosis.

There are a variety of nutritional factors involved with the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis. A lifestyle and diet that negatively affects the nutritional requirements that bones and joints need will result in accelerated degeneration of the affected tissues. Nutritional requirements work best when found in a nutritional complex and a patient would benefit greatly by incorporating nutritional supplements in a whole food base and not as a single, isolated part.

TMJ Treatment

TMJ Signs & Symptoms
Because many different symptoms of TMJ exist, discovering a proper diagnosis is difficult. However, there are a few classic symptoms which involve the TM joints, ears, head, face and teeth.

TMJ Clicking
The most common symptom of TMJ is jaw joint clicking (popping, snapping). This clicking sound may be so loud that it can be heard by others while you chew. There may or may not be pain in the joint itself with the sound of a click or pop. But one thing is for sure: if there is a displaced disc, as is usually the case when a click occurs, then the muscles that move the jaw while chewing are more tense than normal. This tenseness can and does cause muscle, facial, head and neck pain.

TMJ Locking
Locking of the TMJ may be noticed simply by catching of the lower jaw as it opens. Sometimes, the person with a locked joint must move the jaw to one side or another in order to open wide. Or, a person might have to open until he hears and feels a loud pop, at which point the jaw actually unlocks.

Change In Bite
A dislocated TMJ may also be noticed by a change in the dental occlusion, or bite. If the TMJ disc goes out of place, the bones and disc do not fit together properly and therefore, the bite of the teeth changes.

Ear Symptoms
Due to the close anatomical relationship of the TMJs to the ears, an injury to the TMJ often causes various ear symptoms. Some of the symptoms may be ear pain, fullness or stuffiness, and even a loss of hearing. That's why so many TMJ sufferers first see their family doctor and an ear specialist before even considering seeing a dentist for a possible TMJ problem.

Headache
Headache is one of the most common symptoms of a TMJ problem. Usually the TMJ headache is located in the temples, back of the head, and even the shoulders. Clenching and grinding of the teeth, both of which may be TMJ symptoms, produce muscle pain which can cause headache pain. Also, a displaced disc in the TMJ may cause pain in the joint which is often referred into the temples, forehead or neck. These headaches are frequently so severe that they are confused and treated (with little success) for migraine headaches or abnormalities in the brain.

Sensitive Teeth
The teeth may become sensitive because of jaw activities such as clenching of the teeth or grinding of the teeth when the disc of the TMJ is displaced. Patients often see their dentist with the complaint of pain in the teeth and usually the doctor can find no cause. Frequently (and very unfortunately), unnecessary root canals and even tooth extractions are performed in an attempt to help a suffering person. What's worse, after these invasive and non-reversible procedures, patients still have their pain, only now it has increased!

Other Symptoms
Many other symptoms may be associated with TMJ. Often, pain will be felt in the shoulders and back due to muscle contraction, a condition called myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome. Dizziness, disorientation and even confusion are also seen in some people who suffer with TMJ.

Depression is common with TMJ. This may be due to the fact that no one really believes there is a problem causing such pain and suffering. Also, plenty of scientific evidence shows that chronic pain patients (which nearly all TMJ patient can claim) have changes in chemicals in the brain (termed neurotransmitters) as result of the pain. These chemicals can and do produce depression. Along with depression comes an inability to get a good night's sleep. This may be due to TMJ pain itself or, changes in the brain's neurotransmitter chemicals which produce stimulation even though the TMJ sufferer is asleep. Sufferers usually wake feeling like they never slept or at least, did not sleep well. This lack of sleep not only makes their pain seem worse, but also adds fuel to the fire of depression.

TMJ patients may also suffer with photophobia, or light sensitivity. A dislocated TMJ may produce pain in and behind the eye which can cause sensitivity to light. Blurred vision and eye muscle twitching are also common in TMJ patients. A final common symptom is ringing (termed tinnitus) in the ears. This sound may be caused by many different problems (such as, working around loud noises or taking too much aspirin or ibuprofen)

The Best Exercises for Joint Pain Patients

Just because you are plagued with joint pain doesn't mean you have to leave exercise behind - there are plenty of ways to improve your health and fitness without causing extra discomfort. Exercise can strengthen the muscles around joints and help maintain bone strength. Throughout the day, a patient who suffers from joint pain may experience an increase in vitality and rejuvenation after a session of exercise. When night falls, exercise may help ease the joint pain that erupts during sleep.

Overall, exercise has the power to make a patient feel better about their condition while developing higher self-esteem and confidence. With all this being said, there are many people who still avoid exercising because they believe it will worsen their condition or increase soreness and stiffness. The exact opposite is true - a lack of exercise only pacifies painful, swollen, and still joints. Avoiding exercise also leads to weakened muscles and surrounding tissues that need to be strong in order to promote appropriate bone support. The longer you put off exercise, the higher the risk of bone breakage.

While the best way to customize an exercise plan that fits your personal needs and physical restrictions is to ask your doctor or physical therapist to suggest a few options, there are a handful of exercises known to cater best to joint pain. They include:

1. Range-of-Motion Exercises

To relieve stiffness and increase the mobility of joints in hopes to reach their full capacity of movement, range-of-motion exercises work wonders on patients with joint problems. Usually, the exercises are quite simple where one can easily incorporate them into a daily routine. A few examples include raising your arms over your head and rolling the shoulders in a forward and backward motion.

2. Strengthening Exercises

Strong muscles are needed to support and protect joints, which can reduce the overall pain that develops in affected areas. One way to approach this type of exercise is to start a program of lightweight training that helps to maintain and increase current muscle development. Strengthening exercises are best when performed every other day. When joints become painful or swollen, it is suggested to take a day off.

3. Aerobic Activity

Painful joints often learn to respond well to an increase in overall fitness, as one incorporates aerobic or endurance exercises into their lifestyle. Patients will also notice an improvement in cardiovascular health and energy, which helps maintain their weight and increases stamina. A few popular activities include bike riding, walking in the park or around the block, and swimming. 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise for three times per week is recommended.

When it comes to selecting the exercises that are right for you, it is important to remember to not overdo your activity. As a rule of thumb, pain that lingers an hour after you have completed your exercises means that you were probably overdoing it a bit. Also, keep in mind that a visit to the doctor is needed when exercise causes reduced range of motion in joints; chronic fatigue; increased weakness; continuous pain; or swelling of the joints.