Identifying Symptoms of TMJ and Ear Pain for Home Treatments

Ear pain that is associated with the temporomandibular joint is a symptom of the TMJ syndrome. Humans use this joint when talking and eating. This means that for every movement, such as talking, swallowing, or chewing, the joint is often used and ear pain is often experienced if the person is suffering from the said syndrome.

This joint is located where the skull and temporal bone meet, and it has been said that this is one of the joints that is overworked.

To locate the joint, place a hand on the triangular area in front of the ear which is evident as the jaw is closed and opened. When doing this causes pain or a discomfort, the person is believed to have a problem with the joint.

TMJ and Ear Pain Symptom

The temporomandibular joint syndrome includes ear pain as one of its symptoms. In addition to that, other symptoms are listed below:

• Sore jaw muscles
• Pain in the cheek
• Clicking or popping sound of the jaw
• Jaw lock
• Opening the mouth will cause discomfort
• Pain on the head and the neck

Home Remedies for TMJ and Ear Pain

There are ways on how to ease the ear pain caused by the TMJ syndrome.

These are the following:

• Avoid eating foods that are hard. They may tire the joint and cause more discomfort.
• Avoid chewing gum
• Apply hot compress to the muscles for 30 minutes two times a day.
• To reduce swelling, ice packs are applied
• An occlusal splint may be used to relax the joint.
• Diet rich in magnesium
• Consult a physical therapist to correct posture.
• Using mouth guards may work for some people, although these are neither muscle relaxants nor pain relievers
• Apply relaxation technique and get rid of stress
• Maintain a good jaw posture
• Stretching jaw muscles

TMJ Stretches

Below are some basic known TMJ stretches that can help combat ear pain and other discomforts related to TMJ.

• Rest chin on the chest then place both hands behind the head – not the neck! Allow a certain amount of pressure from the back, so that a good stretch is attained.
• Tongue stretching may work. To do this, stick out tongue forward as far as it can go without breaking an artery or feeling any discomfort. Then, swish the tongue from side to side.
• Reach left hand over the head and slowly pull left hand down towards the ground or attempt to reach right ear. Repeat the method using the right hand as soon as the left hand is done.