How to Relieve TMJ Eye Pressure
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are often associated with jaw pain, headaches, and earaches. However, one lesser-known but significant symptom is eye pressure. This discomfort can interfere with daily activities, making it difficult to focus on work, read, or even enjoy a leisurely stroll. Understanding how TMJ affects the eyes and learning effective relief methods is crucial for those suffering from this condition. Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari, a renowned TMJ specialist, provides insights into managing TMJ-related eye pressure.
Understanding TMJ and Its Connection to Eye Pressure
The temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone to the skull, playing a vital role in speaking, chewing, and yawning. TMJ disorders arise from various factors, including injury, arthritis, or genetic predisposition. When the TMJ is not functioning correctly, it can cause a domino effect of symptoms throughout the face and head.
How TMJ Causes Eye Pressure
TMJ disorders can lead to muscle tension and inflammation, which often extend beyond the jaw. The muscles around the jaw are interconnected with those around the temples and eyes. When these muscles are strained, they can cause discomfort and a sensation of pressure in and around the eyes. Additionally, TMJ-related nerve irritation can contribute to these symptoms.
Recognizing TMJ Eye Pressure Symptoms
It’s essential to identify the symptoms of TMJ eye pressure to seek appropriate treatment. Common indicators include:
- Persistent or intermittent pressure around the eyes
- Headaches or migraines centered behind or around the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision or difficulty focusing
- A feeling of heaviness or strain in the eyes
If you experience these symptoms alongside jaw pain or other TMJ-related issues, it’s likely that your eye pressure is connected to TMJ disorders.
Effective Strategies to Relieve TMJ Eye Pressure
Relieving TMJ eye pressure involves addressing the underlying TMJ disorder. Here are several strategies recommended by Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari:
1. Jaw Exercises and Stretches
Gentle jaw exercises can help alleviate tension in the muscles around the TMJ. These exercises promote flexibility and reduce strain. Some effective exercises include:
- Jaw Opening and Closing: Slowly open and close your mouth, ensuring your jaw moves smoothly without clicking or popping.
- Jaw Side-to-Side Movement: Move your jaw from side to side, keeping the motion controlled and gentle.
- Resistance Exercises: Place your thumb under your chin and gently push upward while trying to open your mouth. This resistance helps strengthen jaw muscles.
2. Massage Therapy
Massage therapy can provide significant relief from TMJ-related muscle tension. Focus on the muscles around the jaw, temples, and neck. Use your fingers to apply gentle pressure in circular motions. Regular massage can help reduce inflammation and improve blood flow, alleviating eye pressure.
3. Hot and Cold Compresses
Alternating between hot and cold compresses can help reduce muscle tension and inflammation. Apply a warm compress to your jaw for about 15 minutes, followed by a cold compress for another 15 minutes. This combination can soothe sore muscles and relieve discomfort.
4. Stress Management Techniques
Stress is a common trigger for TMJ disorders and can exacerbate symptoms like eye pressure. Incorporating stress management techniques into your daily routine can help mitigate these effects. Consider practices such as:
- Meditation: Regular meditation can promote relaxation and reduce overall stress levels.
- Deep Breathing Exercises: Deep breathing helps calm the nervous system and reduce muscle tension.
- Yoga: Yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation, making it an excellent stress-relief practice.
5. Proper Posture
Maintaining good posture is crucial for reducing TMJ-related symptoms. Poor posture can strain the muscles around the neck and jaw, worsening TMJ disorders and associated eye pressure. Ensure your head is aligned with your spine, and avoid slouching. Ergonomic adjustments to your workspace can also help maintain proper posture throughout the day.
6. Dietary Modifications
Certain foods can aggravate TMJ symptoms. Avoid hard, chewy, or sticky foods that require excessive jaw movement. Instead, opt for softer foods that are easier to chew. Additionally, staying hydrated can help maintain joint lubrication and reduce muscle tension.
7. Medication and Medical Interventions
In some cases, over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can provide temporary relief from TMJ symptoms, including eye pressure. However, for persistent or severe cases, consulting a TMJ specialist like Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari is essential. Medical interventions may include:
- Prescription Medications: Muscle relaxants, anti-anxiety medications, or stronger pain relievers may be prescribed.
- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can provide specialized exercises and treatments tailored to your condition.
- Dental Appliances: Splints or mouthguards can help realign the jaw and reduce strain on the TMJ.
- Surgical Options: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to correct structural issues within the TMJ.
8. Regular Dental Check-Ups
Regular visits to your dentist can help identify and address TMJ disorders early. Dentists can provide guidance on managing TMJ symptoms and may recommend dental appliances or other treatments to alleviate discomfort.
When to Seek Professional Help
While self-care strategies can be effective for managing TMJ eye pressure, it’s crucial to seek professional help if your symptoms persist or worsen. Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari, a leading TMJ specialist, emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive evaluation to determine the underlying causes of TMJ disorders and develop a tailored treatment plan.
Consultation with Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari
Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari specializes in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders. During a consultation, Dr. Bakhtiari will perform a thorough examination, which may include imaging studies to assess the condition of your TMJ. Based on the findings, a personalized treatment plan will be developed to address your specific needs.
Conclusion
TMJ-related eye pressure can significantly impact your quality of life, but understanding the connection between TMJ disorders and eye discomfort is the first step toward relief. By incorporating self-care strategies such as jaw exercises, massage therapy, and stress management techniques, you can alleviate symptoms and improve your overall well-being. However, for persistent or severe cases, consulting a TMJ specialist like Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari is essential to receive a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
If you’re experiencing TMJ symptoms, including eye pressure, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari and his team are dedicated to providing effective TMJ treatment, helping you find relief and restore your quality of life.
About Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari
Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari is a board-certified TMJ and Oral Facial Pain specialist. He focuses his practice on TMJ disorders, oral pain, facial pain and associated headaches. He treats patients in New York City. His practice is conveniently located in midtown Manhattan three blocks from Grand Central Terminal and Bryant Park.
- Assistant Clinical Professor, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
- Treasurer and Committee Chair, NYU Dentistry Alumni Association
- Diplomate, American Board of Orofacial Pain
- Fellow, American Academy of Orofacial Pain
- Chair of Membership Committee, American Academy of Orofacial Pain
Dr. Nojan shares his in-depth knowledge of the TMJ, oral and facial pain as Assistant Clinical Professor at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. He taught for 5 years at Yale-New Haven Hospital as a clinical attending and course director. He is one of very few diplomates of the American Board of Orofacial Pain and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain.
As an expert in the field, he has been invited to lecture at New York University, New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, New York State Dental Association, Woodhull Hospital, Lincoln Medical Center, and numerous dental societies and conferences (including Greenwich and Stamford Dental Societies, New Haven Dental Association, Connecticut Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, New England Dental Society Annual Meeting).
What are treatment options offered by Dr. Nojan?
Dr. Nojan offers the best and advanced treatment options available for TMJ, facial pain, oral pain and headaches. Treatments offered by Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari are personalized to you when looking to know more about inflammation of the jaw, and may include:
- Oral appliance therapy (custom mouthguards, nightguards, splints)
- Therapeutic injections
- Trigger point injections for muscle pain
- Nerve blocks
- Steroid injections for TMJ joint and tendons
- Botox for TMJ, nerve pain, jaw pain and headaches
- Therapeutic ointments and medication for oral, facial and TMJ pain
Overview of Treatments for TMJ, Facial Pain and Oral Pain
Dr. Nojan offers the most advanced and evidence-based treatment options for TMJ, facial pain, oral pain and related headaches.
“Don’t leave TMJ and orofacial pain treatments to guesswork.”
Treatments will always be personalized to you, your condition and your treatment approach preferences. We understand that some patients do not like taking medications, while others are afraid of needles, or have life-styles that prevent them from wearing a bite guard. Learn more about what happens at your first visit with Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari, DDS, FAAOP. For that reasons, we offer the full range of treatment options and learning about inflammation of the jaw while also including:
- Oral appliance therapy(comfortable and custom bite guards, nightguards, splints)
- Therapeutic injections(such as trigger point muscle injections, nerve blocks, and botox®), PRP
- Steroid injections jaw joint (TMJ) and associated tendons
- Compounded Topical Pain Medications and mouth rinses
- Jaw stretching exercises and physical therapy modalities
TMJ Treatment options vary depending on the individual suffering from TMJ and the specifics of their condition. Since TMJ/TMD can affect the musculature, tendons, bones and joint of the jaw, a thorough examination and diagnosis is paramount prior to initiating any treatment. Treatments include therapeutic injections of muscles and the joints, custom fabricated orthotics (also called splints, mouth guards, nightguards or occlusal guards), medications, creams, botox©, jaw stretching exercises, and physical therapy.
TMJ therapies should never include grinding down of otherwise healthy teeth. It is ill-advised to suggest to a patient that grinding of their otherwise healthy natural teeth is related to the TMJ pain they are perceiving. This treatment philosophy of “correcting the bite”, by either grinding down teeth (occlusal adjustments), restoring teeth with crowns, or moving teeth with braces or invisalign©, has been debunked in the dental and scientific literature.
What to expect at your first visit to our office
At your first visit to our office, Dr. Bakhtiari and his team will thoroughly examine your jaw, face, TMJ, bite and mouth. He will determine the source and cause of your discomfort, and devise a customized treatment solution that will work for you to help with inflammation of the jaw.
The initial consultation includes:
- Review of your medical history
- Detailed evaluation of your pain, discomfort and/or other symptoms
- Cranial nerve screening
- Muscle palpation of the muscles of your jaw, head and neck
- TMJ evaluation: evaluating the health of your jaw joints including their range of motion, tenderness and any clicking/popping sounds
- Additional imaging if necessary: X-rays, panoramic, CT scans, MRIs
- Additional testing as needed: diagnostic topical anesthetics, muscle and nerve blocks, blood tests