People who have TMJ frequently suffer from TMJ headaches which are triggered when there is some problem or inflammation with the joint. The muscles around the joint can restrict to the point it is painful to open your mouth. Carisoprodol is commonly used to treat associated pain and to relax the jaw joint muscle.

Anti-Inflammation Treatment

You can use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin or ibuprofen to reduce the pain caused by TMJ flare-ups. Because the pain is frequently caused by inflammation, a general pain reliever may not be sufficient. You want a pain reliever with anti-inflammatory properties. The pain can be so intensive that you may experience nausea or blurred vision. Aspirin can reduce the inflammation which will help alleviate the pain.

Muscle Relaxation

You may also need to treat the tight muscles around the joint. It is possible to experience “lock jaw” with extreme bouts of TMJ. Muscle relaxants can help with this situation. However, if it lasts for an extended period of time or interferes with your ability to eat, you should seek medical attention. In some cases, a shot of muscle relaxant may have to be injected directly into the jaw muscle.

Pain Reliever

If you still have a headache after taking the muscle relaxant, you may need to take a pain reliever. It is best to take a general pain killer that does not treat inflammation. Treating symptoms you do not have can cause or increase nausea or dizziness. You also risk irritating your stomach or developing an ulcer when you take too much pain medication.

TMJ can cause long-term suffering. It makes it difficult to work and socialize. You may have difficulty sleeping or need to sleep sitting up to keep pressure off your jaw. In addition to treating flare-ups, it may be necessary to take maintenance drugs. Small doses of Carisoprodol can be used daily to reduce flare-ups so you can get on with your life. Be careful when using Carisoprodol because you can quickly build a tolerance to the drug.

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Increased Appetite

People who take corticosteroids can expect an increase in appetite. This along with fluid retention that typically occurs while on the medication can result in unwanted weight gain. Overeating has its own set of risks. You will need to get your appetite under control as soon as possible. If you notice you are suddenly eating more than usual or you are staying hungry, let your doctor know so a suitable eating plan can be established.

Foods to Eat

Consuming additional protein is one of the best ways to fight these side effects. Foods high in calcium and Vitamin D are also beneficial for people who use corticosteroids. Your doctor can test you to see if you need to increase your potassium and phosphorus intake. You can reduce fluid retention with a diet high in potassium and low in sodium. Foods that contain potassium include bananas, oranges, raisins, and baked potatoes. Low-fat dairy products can improve phosphorous as well as calcium levels. Fruits and vegetables should be eaten daily.

Foods to Avoid

Foods high in sodium should be limited or eliminated completely from your diet. You should avoid canned as well as processed foods which have high sodium levels. Try not to add salt to your meals. It is important to monitor your calorie intake. Fatty foods can cause you to gain weight faster. Many medications negatively interact with grapefruit juice so ask your doctor about including grapefruit in your diet.

Additional Supplements

Nutrients may need to be balanced out to prevent certain side effects when taking the medication. For this reason, your doctor may recommend you take vitamin supplements to improve treatment results. Prednisone can affect your calcium level which can be countered with calcium supplements. Vitamin D supplements may be necessary while on the drug.

This article looks at how prednisone interacts with food. Changing diet intake can prevent some side effects while enhancing treatment outcomes. Consumers who monitor the food they eat will see better results.

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