Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) can be a real pain in the neck … and jaw, and ears, and throat, and basically anywhere from our upper backs to the top of our heads.
That’s because the temporomandibular joints are right behind a major nerve in the face, one that’s smack dab in the middle of a nerve network that goes throughout the face, neck, and head.
Place your fingers in front of your ears and open your mouth. What you feel is your TMJ.
“The temporomandibular joint, otherwise known as the TMJ, is a common source of pain and tension. Many factors can contribute to tension in the TMJ, such as stress, poor posture, and hormonal changes. This can lead to difficulty chewing, clicking or popping in the jaw, ringing in the ears, and even headaches,” says Kayla Hamm, Doctor of Physical Therapy at Myodetox in Los Angeles.
Sound familiar? You’re gonna want to keep reading.
“These five exercises will not only help prevent TMD from occurring,” says Kayla, “but they’re also great to do if you are currently experiencing pain in this area.” Below, she shares the step-by-step instructions—press play on the video and follow along.
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