Hi i have tmj and its caused my neck to swell up n it hurts when i swallow i read this and wanted to know can a person massage my tmj swellness ?

TMJ pain: Although its possible for temporomandibular joint disorders to refer pain to the the throat or surrounding structures, swelling makes it sounds like you may have something else going on. I would see your primary care physician or ask for a referral to an ENT specialist. To answer your question, massage can be beneficial for helping alleviate tension in the TMJ but will not cure the cause.

More information?: You say that you have tmj. Were you diagnosed with a problem and given treatment, exercises or a splint to wear? How do you know the swollen neck is related to the joint? I would recommend a dental exam. If you see a masseuse they could probably gently massage the neck, but this would not be treatment for the joint.

Symptoms not TMJ: The swelling you describe is uncommon with TMJ related disorders and more likely related to an infection. Call your healthcare provider for assessment immediately and do not attempt massage in this area until a possible infection (and its cause) is ruled out.

Yes: Yes massage is often helpful. Make sure you're being treated by a TMj expert who can guide you. Any dentist can be a TMJ expert with the proper training and experience. Most commonly, oral surgeons, prosthodontists, and orofacial pain specialists. Ask your MD, your dentist and your dental society for referrals.