5 Jaw Exercises for TMJ Relief

TMJ exercises help in improving the movements of the temporal bone and the mandible. The purpose of the exercises is to ensure that you are able to open and close your mouth without any difficulty, be able to move the jaw on both sides so that you do not have any difficulty while eating, drinking, smiling or making any other form of facial expression. TMJ involves several muscles and tissues that help in the smooth movement of the joint.

Given below are a few exercises that may help in getting rid of TMJ disorder.

1. In order to get relief from the pain, sit comfortably on a chair that has a strong back rest. Now, try and place your tongue on the roof of your mouth and in the same position try opening your mouth with your tongue. Now, breathe in slowly and after a few seconds exhale slowly and then close your mouth. Make sure that you repeat this exercise at least 8 to 10 times for a quick relief.


2. There are many people who suffer from shifting of the jaw to one side. For such people it is suggested that you stand in front of the mirror and see on which side your jaw has shifted. Then try and open your mouth straight. This can be pretty difficult and may require a lot of effort from your muscles on the affected side of the jaw. Try opening and closing your mouth at least ten times in a set and then take some rest. Repeat this thrice in a session.


3. The next exercise involves holding your fist to the damaged side of the jaw just below the TMJ by using a low force and holding it for a few seconds and then release. Do this exercise at least thrice so that you can get relief on both sides.


4. Next, open your mouth as wide as you can and put your fist to your chin and push it to open your mouth wider. Though it may hurt you a little it is worth the trouble.


5. Next, open your mouth wide and try to move your haw to the right side as many times as you can. Use your fingers to push your jaw to the right side. This will cause some movement in the jaw. Hold this position for a few seconds. Make sure that you do this exercise at least four times in a day.

The above mentioned are a few exercises that help in providing relief from TMJ disorder.