Diana Hearn, PT, DPT, OCS, leader for the Musculoskeletal team and Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) Program at Penn Therapy & Fitness, shares tips on relief and selfcare for Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) pain and TMD.

The TMJ connects the temple bone of the skull to the lower jaw bone. TMD is a condition that can cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint, the muscles that control the jaw or both.

Signs and symptoms of TMD include:
•Painful clicking or grating in your jaw
•Painful locking or clenching of your jaw
•Pain while talking, chewing or opening your mouth wide
•Headaches and neck pain
•Pain, ringing or fullness in your ears

Hearn suggests the following things to avoid:
•Opening your mouth forcefully, such as while yawning or yelling
•Crunchy or hard foods
•Taking large bites of food
•Foods that require prolonged chewing
•Chewing gum

You also should take notice of habits, such as biting your nails, chewing your cheeks or lips, resting your jaw on your hand, or clenching and grinding your teeth.

Hearn shares best practices for TMD pain relief and teaches how maintaining your jaw position, correcting your posture, exercising and getting a good night’s sleep can help you relieve TMJ pain.

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