Can your mattress give you pain ?

There is little evidence to establish the link between TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) pain and the type of mattress you use.However, there is sizeable proof that substantiates the connection between a disturbed sleep and TMJ pain.

The size and type of the mattress you select depends on your personal preferences. But it  plays a vital role in your sleep quality and time.

Mattresses are made from different materials like coils, coir, spring, foam, and hypoallergenic. There is a mattress for every body type depending on the size, weight, and sleeping style. Those suffering from body pain and sleep disorders can experience a lot of discomfort if they have been sleeping on the wrong mattress. A wrong mattress can be the potential cause of TMJ problems and can keep you tossing and turning in the bed all night long.

Poor sleep often leads to the tightening of your jaw muscles, excessive grinding, and clenching of the jaw. These symptoms are a clear indication of an underlying problem arising due to poor sleep.

Is Your Sleeping Position Right?

Many if not most, spend at least 8 hours a day sleeping. Sleeping for eight hours in a detrimental position could be quite unhealthy for your body. It can lead to the onset of TMJ and if you are already suffering from chronic TMJ pain, it could worsen your medical condition.

How Your Sleeping Position Contributes To Chronic Pain?

If you have been sleeping on your stomach, it is likely that you experience severe jaw pain because it exerts pressure on your jaw and pushes it into the skull if you are sleeping with your head forward.

If you sleep on your stomach with your head resting on either side, you are pushing your jaw laterally and this exerts a lot of tension on the jaw muscles leading to pain and discomfort. Even if you sleep on your sides, it will still cause some amount of jaw pain due to lateral pressure. The best position is to sleep on your back because this will ensure that your head is restfully placed on a pillow that provides adequate support to your head and the curve of your neck.

The Right Way to Sleep If You Suffer From Neck and Shoulder Pain

If you wake up with debilitating shoulder pain every morning, you need to know that the actual cause of pain is the faulty positioning of your neck. Shoulder pain results due to a misalignment of your neck which radiates to the shoulders.  Sleeping on your back can also alleviate your neck pain. If it increases your snoring, you can also sleep on your sides. Soft cushions that support the curve of your neck will reduce your neck pain. Avoid using multiple pillows and ensure that you don’t keep your head too high.

What to Do If the Pain Does Not Subside?

Home remedies should always be the first line of treatment for minor aches and pains. Try incorporating a healthy sleeping habit for a week and if the pain does not subside even after that, you need to seek professional care.

How the Right Sleeping Position Can Relieve the Painful Symptoms of TMJ

A good sleep rejuvenates your system, re-energizes your body, and repairs your muscles overnight. Sleep is crucial in curing TMJ pain and those who get into the habit of sleeping in the right position can experience a significant relief from the painful symptoms.

The stresses and strains exerted on the neck, head, jaw, and spine can lead to teeth clenching, grinding, and tightening of oral muscles. They way you sleep can influence the alignment of your head and neck and this can be either beneficial or detrimental depending on your position.

The Best Way to Sleep for a TMJ Patient

Lying on your back is beneficial for every part of your body including your jaw. It offers adequate support to your neck and head. Sleeping on your back provides a favorable alignment that keeps your neck and spine in a neutral position and you are less likely to grind your teeth or clench your jaw during sleep. Ensure that your pillow is placed under the arch of your spine and your mattress is designed to mould with your body contours.

Your sleeping position is a key factor in pain management. TMJ patients can also visit a comprehensive dental care facility for TMJ disease treatment if pain persists.

Author Bio:

Shen Chao is part of Dr. Joshua Hong’s Smile Clinic. While working at the Smile Clinic, he has witnessed how dental implants can improve people’s smile and boost their self confidence. If you are interested in improving your smile or need a dental procedure contact Shen Chao to learn more by emailing him at contact@joshuahongdds.com or get more information at www.joshuahongdds.com .