How to loosen up jaw tmj?

Loosen tmj: Best way to do this is with moist heat...Not a heating pad...I recommend a wet washcloth. Hold it over the TMJ for 5-10 minutes 3-4 times a day. You will feel things loosen up.

Meds and heat.: If you feel like your TMJ is tightening up on you it might be due to some inflammation of the jaw muscles. I suggest starting off with Ibuprofen and heat. If it become more symptomatic then i would prescribe a muscle relaxant. If this still doesn't alleviate it, i would refer to a TMJ specialist.

Timing important: If the issue just began, as an acute problem, i would consider placing some cold on your joint/joints. A frozen bag of popcorn or pea works well to contour to the face. Approx. 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off. If the tightening is more chronic or has lasted awhile, then i would apply moist heat. Should really be evaluated to get to the source of the problem.

A few ideas.: Self treat with soft diet, jaw exercises, massage, heat/cold, OTC pain meds. A splint or physical therapy would be next. Occasionally muscle relaxants, biofeedback. Xrays are done for diagnosis. Surgery usually reserved for serious symptoms not responsive to other treatments.