Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is a complex condition that can cause you to experience chronic pain in your jaw, neck, head, or shoulders. While most cases of TMJ require treatment to realign your jaw, there are some simple steps you can take on your own to alleviate some of your painful TMJ symptoms. The easiest of these steps is to get more sleep.
Lack of sleep can exacerbate TMJ symptoms and increase the pain you experience as part of your condition. The connection between sleep deprivation and TMJ pain is related to the impact on your posture when you don’t get enough sleep. It is common to slouch in your chair or stand hunched over when you are very tired. This poor posture can impact the alignment of your head, neck, and jaw, increasing the pain experienced by TMJ.
In addition, sleeping in the wrong position at night can affect the alignment of the systems affected by TMJ. To prevent this from occurring, try to sleep on your back instead of on your stomach. By getting more sleep and sleeping in a healthier position for your body, you can minimize the TMJ pain you regularly experience.
While this may help you get through your days with less pain, it is still important to address the underlying cause of your condition. Dr. Heather Fleschler has extensive training in neuromuscular dentistry, the field that focuses on the alignment and function of the muscles and joints in your jaw. She will perform a comprehensive TMJ diagnostic exam to determine the precise bite alignment issues you are experiencing and recommend the ideal TMJ treatment plan to restore your jaw to its proper resting position.
If you experience painful TMJ symptoms, please contact Dr. Heather Fleschler today to schedule a consultation. We serve patients in the West University, Bellaire, River Oaks, and Meyerland areas of Houston.
