Safe Summer Fun!
Summer has FINALLY arrived! I feel like we wait around for the “fun in the sun” weather…..Then it’s gone. So naturally, we want to get outside and do everything all at once.
The problem with this is, this is how injuries occur. And not only are injuries prevalent in the summer months, but exacerbating existing pain is also a factor.
The warm air can feel great for some with joint pain, offering some relief – but the expectation of spending more time outside can also add stress to your aching joints as a result of overactivity.
In addition, remaining inside because of chronic pain can lead to feelings of sadness and depression, particularly when you want to be out enjoying summer activities with your family.
Some Safe Activities
There are things you can consider however, that can make summer fun and pain free for you, while you enjoy making memories with your family! This is the perfect time to participate in activities that will help to strengthen your joints.
Swimming continues to be the best low impact exercise for your joints. Now that the warm weather is upon us, we’ve got more swimming options. Outdoor pools, lakes, or ocean, the choice is yours! Swimming is the perfect way to relax, and is the perfect way to strengthen your muscles and joints without producing more damage.
Bike riding (including those helmets!) are a great way to hit the road on a nice day with your family. Leisurely bike rides are easy enough on your joints, and are still a form of exercise. And let’s be honest, family bike rides are great memory makers!
Go for a walk, or if you can, upgrade the walk to a hike. If you live in the city a long walk can feel like a hike when you consider the hills, new things to see, and bringing your pup along. What’s better would be to jump on one of your city’s trails, the waterfront, or hiking trails. Have kids? Create a scavenger hunt to avoid the “are we done yet” conversions.
If you’re stuck for ideas, check out what social media has in mind for you, or ask your friends for ideas.
Take a nap outside. There really is nothing more relaxing for your body, mind, and spirit than a nice nap out in the warm air. If you can access a hammock, even better! This type of relaxation will be just what your body needs to release inflammation and heal those joints! Just make sure you are in the shade – you never want to ruin an experience like this with a sunburn.
Introduce Activity Gradually
As with any physical activity, the key is to be gradual. I know it’s exciting that we are now in the throws of beautiful weather, but you don’t want to waste the remainder of the summer injured.
If you aren’t sure, proactively visiting your chiropractor and discussing your plans is a perfect start. Staying on top of your adjustments and ensuring proper spinal alignment will make a world of difference.
More than anything else, don’t let any chronic pain or joint issues keep you from enjoying the summer in the city. With so much to see and do, there are numerous ways you can safely enjoy yourself outdoors.
What is TMJ Pain?
Unless you have experienced TMJ pain, it’s possible that you have never even heard of it. You may also not think a chiropractor would be managing jaw pain since we typically are known for managing spinal, back, and neck pain or injuries. Structures of the face can also be directly impacted by other areas of the musculoskeletal system.
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain is common for many people, and most will consult a dentist thinking it is tooth related. However, studies and people’s testimonials have shown that chiropractic care can be an effective method to relieve TMJ pain.
What is the TMJ?
The TMJ is what connects the skull in front of the ear to the jaw. There are also some muscles that control your chewing that are attached to your lower jaw. This is why some people experience deep inner ear pain followed by an ache in the jaw that can become quite painful.
If you place your fingers in front of the ear and open your mouth, you’ll be able to feel it. TMJ pain is caused by problems that arise in the surrounding structures.
What Can Cause TMJ Problems?
There are a number of things that can cause TMJ pain, the most common being clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth while you sleep. Many people report an increase in TMJ pain when they are feeling unusually stressed.
TMJ can also be caused by:
- Poorly fitted dentures, fillings, or crowns that make your bite uneven
- Mouth trauma or dental surgery
- Disc dislocation
- Rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, or gout
- It could be hereditary or related to a related hereditary cause
Symptoms of TMJ
There are many symptoms that patients report having, all of which could be intermittent. These include:
- Headaches
- Popping, locking or clicking jaw
- Trouble opening or closing the mouth
- Pain while chewing
- Jaw pain
- Neck pain
- Ear pain
How Chiropractic can Help
A Chiropractor will always assess the condition first, looking for a cause and documenting your level of discomfort or pain. Most TMJ conditions will respond well to chiropractic treatment. When we determine whether your condition will respond well, there are a few treatments available. Chiropractic adjustments can help, along with myofascial release which is designed to loosen and relax soft tissue and muscle to optimize their function by releasing scar tissue.
We will come up with a plan to reduce pain, which may include a visit to the dentist to rule out misaligned dental equipment and to ensure a wrap around approach to your jaw care. In addition, we may advise you to make postural changes that include your upper neck, which could be contributing to your pain.
With those out of the way, discovering new ways to reduce stress can be a strong point in your recovery. You can never go wrong with new ways to reduce or manage stress!
Either way, alerting us of your TMJ pain is a great step ensuring you move forward pain free!