TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Syndrom): practical care

Aha! I'd given up searching only to return to it.
This link lists warm compressing as a home treatment....U of Iowa Healthcare

you've got to believe TMJ exists to recommend a treatment

Iv'e got it and hate it.

The only thing that works for me (and this might not work for your friend because there are several different things that can cause tmj) is wearing a hard tooth cover my dentist made. It doesn't allow my teeth to close fully while I sleep, and my jaw rests wherever it wants to so my muscles get to relax.

portal, were you diagnosed by a specialist or by a GP? Beth thinks (and she is in a good postion to know) that there are much fewer cases of TMJ than popularly thought.

I'm a believer. I had it. My dentist readjusted my bite many years ago. I also learned to relax my jaw by pushing my tongue between my teeth. Still, when I'm tense I notice some muscle soreness in my jaw.

I was given it by a dentist (who malajusted my teeth) and the tooth bite gaurd was made by my new dentist. I think I can trust him because the things he has been doing makes my mouth feel better (although unfortunately rather expensive.) He takes the time to explain things to me, which my old dentist didn't.

Some TMJ is caused by other problems than mine (my jaw closes too far down and in the wrong place, also I grind my teeth at night.) Some TMJ is caused by neck muscle problems - anything that causes the muscles in that area to repeatedly overstrain.

I have trouble opening my mouth for a long time or chewing a lot, so going to the dentist is painful and so is chewing gum. I'm hoping that (if my insurance will cover it) I can eventually get a full bite splint and get my bite adjusted.

Bummer Portal!

Marijuana works, or so I'm told.
Mouth splints don't, or so I'm told.
Physiotherapy works but takes a long time.
Chiropractors are the spawn of the Devil and thus should be avoided.

Best way to avoid it is to stay away from orthodontist's that want to give you braces.

Oh, and good posture helps because TMJ is related to the muscles in the back of your neck.