The change of seasons and the weather that comes with it can be difficult for those suffering from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. Just like the cold can make your body shiver, it can also cause the muscles of your jaw to tense, which can make already existing TMJ pain worse.
The cold temps can make your jaw condition almost impossible to manage, making day-to-day living uncomfortable and difficult.
The Signs of TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder, or TMD, is a disorder of the jaw joint that can cause pain in the jaw, face, neck and shoulders. Common signs of TMD include:
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw
- Difficulty chewing
- Aching pain in and around the ear
- Clicking, popping or grating sounds when opening and closing the mouth
- Limited movement of the jaw
- Locking of the jaw
The Cause of TMD
TMJ pain happens for a variety of reasons, including stress, injury, grinding your teeth, arthritis and misalignment of the jaw.
How Cold Weather Affects TMJs
When the temperatures drop, it can cause the muscles in your jaw to tense up. This tension can make existing TMJ pain worse. The cold weather can also cause inflammation in the joint, which can lead to further pain and discomfort.
Cold weather can exacerbate the symptoms of TMD, making it difficult to manage. If you experience any of the signs of TMD, such as pain in your jaw, face, neck and shoulders; headaches; ringing in the ears (tinnitus); dizziness; or difficulty chewing, it is important to seek medical attention. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as avoiding cold temperatures or using a heating pad to help manage the pain.
To help ease the discomfort of TMJ disorder, here are some tips for the winter season.
Keep Warm. Try to maintain a comfortable body temperature. Increase your thermostat and use electric blankets or heating pads inside. Place a space heater near your work area. When you go outside, bundle up with a scarf or hat to keep warm.
Stay Hydrated. Drinking plenty of water helps keep your body hydrated and can help reduce the tension in your jaw muscles.
Add Omega 3s. Omega 3 fatty acids are known to reduce inflammation and can help with TMJ pain. Try adding in foods like salmon, tuna, walnuts, flaxseed and chia seeds to your diet.
Stretch Regularly. Stretching your jaw muscles can help reduce the tension that builds up during cold weather. Try opening your mouth wide and holding it for 10 seconds.
Exercise Regularly. Exercise can help improve circulation, which can help reduce TMJ pain. Try to do some light stretching or yoga poses that focus on the neck and shoulders.
Massage. Massaging the jaw muscles can help reduce tension and pain. You can do this yourself or visit a massage therapist for professional help.
Avoid Chewing Gum. Chewing gum can put extra strain on your jaw muscles, which can make your TMJ pain worse. Chewing gum can cause these muscles to become tight and sore, so it’s best to avoid it.
Eat Soft Foods. Eating soft foods like mashed potatoes or oatmeal can help reduce the strain on your jaw muscles and help ease TMJ pain. Making tweaks to your diet can help relieve the burden on your jaw and provide some much-needed relief. Additionally, hot tea or other hot beverages can be a great way to soothe the area around your jaw while providing some additional hydration.
Relaxation Techniques. Stress is a major trigger for TMJ pain, so it ’s important to find ways to relax and reduce stress. Try deep breathing exercises, meditation or massage therapy.
Visit Your Dentist. If you are experiencing severe TMJ pain, it is important to visit your dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Your dentist can provide you with a customized treatment plan to help reduce your TMJ pain and get you back to feeling comfortable again.
In conclusion, cold weather can make existing TMJ pain worse. To help ease the discomfort of TMJ disorder during the winter season, it is important to keep warm, stay hydrated, exercise regularly and practice relaxation techniques.
Can Other Types of Weather Cause Jaw Pain?
Yes. Other changes in the weather, including fluctuations in barometric pressure, can impact the jaw. Some patients living with TMD and other temporomandibular disorders have found their symptoms can flair in the summer as well, due to constant exposure to air conditioning.
It is important to take steps to manage your TMJ pain during any season. In addition to the tips mentioned above, it is critical that you practice good posture and avoid clenching or grinding your teeth. If you are experiencing severe jaw pain, it is important to visit your dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Your dentist can provide you with a customized treatment plan that will help reduce your TMJ pain.