Technique Talk: How do I fix TMJ problems?

Q:  Hey, Andrew!  I’ve been having problems with my jaw recently.  I’m experiencing pain when I open my mouth fully, and my jaw is clicking and popping as well.  What should I do to fix this?

A: First of all, you’re not alone in this problem.  The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is a very easy area in which to hold tension.  You can think of your body as having five appendages of your main trunk–two arms, two legs and a jaw.  Therefore, the easiest areas to hold tension are hips, shoulders and jaw.

The first step towards correcting TMJ problems is jaw mobility.  If you’ve not done the “Focused Five” series on the jaw, click here and go through the exercises.  Also, tongue position has a big impact on how happy your jaw is.  The resting position for the tongue should be with the tip of the tongue in an “n” (about a half-inch behind the upper teeth), and the rest of the tongue suctioned to the roof of the mouth.  The tongue should be there at all times at rest, and should be maintained there during swallowing.

Another thing to try is tailbone mobility.  the jaw and the coccyx (bottom part of the tailbone) are neurologically opposites, so they need to be in balance.  Try doing some pelvic mobility work; you can do some tucks and tilts of your pelvis, as well as some “hula hoop” style hip movements to loosen the sacro-iliac joint.

One other interesting thing to look at is aural function.  The back of the jaw hinge is the front of the ear canal, so a history of ear infection or hearing issues can affect jaw function.  Do this simple test: rub your thumb and forefinger lightly together in front of each of your ears.  Does the volume sound the same?  If it’s softer in one ear, try listening to music in an earbud placed only in the weaker ear.  That alone can improve your aural balance and can reduce jaw holding.

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