My Favorite Products for TMJ Pain and Jaw Relief
If you deal with jaw pain, tightness, headaches or facial tension, you may be looking for simple tools that can help you feel better between appointments.
I get asked all the time what products I recommend for TMJ, jaw tension, headaches, and neck tension. So I put together a list of the things I actually use and recommend.
Some of these are tools I use in my clinic, some are things I use personally, and some are simply products I've found useful for making good habits easier.
There isn't one product that works for everyone, and no device can replace an individualized evaluation when you're dealing with persistent jaw pain. But there are several products I like for supporting jaw relaxation, muscle recovery, posture, mobility, and overall comfort.
Affiliate disclosure: Some of the products linked below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through my link, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use, have used with patients, or genuinely believe may be useful.
TMJ Pen
TMJ Pen link(use code BECKYHIGGINSON for $25 off)
The TMJ Pen is one of my favorite tools for targeted jaw and facial muscle work, and one I frequently use at my clinic. It also provides heat, making it especially useful when you're dealing with tight, tense muscles.
TheraFace Depuffing Wand
The Therabody theraface has a larger massage surface, which makes it great for covering broader areas of tension. It also offers both heat and cold. Because the surface is larger, though, I find it isn't quite as effective as the TMJ Pen for getting into specific, targeted areas of tension.
Heat + Ice for TMJ
Sometimes you don't need a complicated device. You just need the right temperature.
For heat, I like a cordless rechargeable neck wrap because it's easy to use while you're relaxing without being tethered to an outlet. Gentle heat can be especially soothing when the jaw, neck, and shoulders feel tight.
For cold, I prefer a hands-free jaw wrap that actually stays in place. A wrap designed for the jaw and face makes it much easier to use cold therapy without having to hold an ice pack against your face.
Cervical Pillow + Traction Device
Your jaw doesn't work in isolation. The neck and upper body are part of the same overall system, which is why I also like incorporating appropriate cervical care.
Your pillow can make a really big difference in how your neck and jaw feel in the morning. Pillows are really personal, so I hate making generalizations about which pillow is “best.” Your ideal pillow depends on your sleeping position, body size, and what feels comfortable for your neck.
I personally like this one because it works well for smaller people and adapts nicely to both side and back sleeping. The memory foam provides support without feeling like an oversized pillow.
My one hesitation is that it's made from less sustainable synthetic materials, which I don't love. But from a comfort and versatility standpoint, this is one I've personally found useful.
A cervical traction device may be helpful for some people, but it isn't right for everyone! If you have significant neck pain, an injury, or neurological symptoms, get professional guidance first.
Traditional Cervical Pillow (low profile)
Minerals + Electrolytes
Your muscles and nervous system depend on adequate hydration and essential minerals for normal function. Hydration also plays an important role in overall tissue health.
UnTammed Electrolytes(4 real food ingredients. No fillers or chemicals)
Aussie Mineral Drops(Add a few tasteless drops to water to increase mineral intake. Simple.)
Bumbleroot Hydration Powder(use code becky_higginson for 15% off. The turmeric flavor is my favorite.)
A special note about magnesium…
Magnesium is especially important when we're talking about muscle tension and relaxation. It plays an important role in neuromuscular function and helps regulate muscle contraction and relaxation.
For someone dealing with TMJ tension, headaches, poor sleep, or difficulty relaxing, making sure you're getting adequate magnesium is one piece of the bigger picture.
Cymbiotika magnesium oil(This is the magnesium oil I personally prefer because I find it much less irritating and itchy than other magnesium oils I've tried. It does have lavender extracts, so skip if you don’t like the smell of lavender.)
Magnesium bath flakes(When I use magnesium in a bath or foot soak, I prefer pure magnesium chloride flakes over traditional Epsom salt, which is magnesium sulfate. Ancient Minerals’ flakes are 100% magnesium chloride sourced from the ancient Zechstein seabed, with no added fragrance, dyes, preservatives, or unnecessary fillers. These flakes dissolve quickly and don't leave the gritty residue you sometimes get with bath salts.)
Ergonomic Products
If you spend hours at a computer, your workstation matters.
A monitor stand, laptop stand, external keyboard and mouse, or better-supported chair can make it easier to maintain a comfortable head, neck, and shoulder position throughout the day.
A laptop stand can make a big difference in your workstation setup by bringing your screen closer to eye level and helping you avoid constantly looking down.
Important: To make this truly ergonomic, you'll likely also want a separate keyboard and mouse so you can keep the screen elevated without having to reach up to type.
Ergonomic keyboard + mouse(Wave-shaped ergonomic keyboard with cushioned palm rest— worth the $99 if you spend hours at the computer- your wrists will thank you!)
A note on self-care: These products are tools—not cures for TMJ disorders. Persistent or severe jaw pain, locking, significant changes in your bite, trauma, or other concerning symptoms deserve an individualized evaluation.
Do you treat TMJ in Portland?
Yes! I help people in Portland with jaw pain, jaw clicking, clenching, headaches, facial pain, neck tension, and other TMJ-related symptoms using a personalized, whole-body approach that looks beyond the jaw alone.
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