Does cold or heat make tmj worse?

TMJ Pain -Heat /Cold: Generally, heat helps tmj, as heat helps soothe tired muscles, the root caused of most TMJ symptoms. Applying ice / cold does little to help most sufferers from TMJ disorders.

Should help: Think of the tm joint like any other joint in the body. Stiff, tense, and sore muscles can be relaxed and relieved with a little heat if the tm joint feels warm, cool it off with cold — applying an ice pack or even a bag of frozen vegetables (easier to wrap around an area like a knee) can help to numb areas affected by joint pain. Cold and heat should help and not hurt.

Normally not: There are many symptoms associated with tmj/tmd, and temperature changes do not normally make it worse. If there are other factors in addition to the tmj, then a temperature change can affect the symptoms that you are having. Trigeminal neuralgia, abscessed teeth, headaches, etc., can appear in this category. I would see a specialist to rule out other causes.

Usually cold.: Usually cold makes it worse. However, if you have an inflammatory componenst, cold might help. Try both, use whatever makes it more comfortable.