Outdoor Therapy for Scoliosis & TMJ Part 2

If you can't make it camping, then you can still participate in any outdoor activity of your choosing to help with the TMJ and scoliosis pain.

Think back to when you were a kid and couldn't wait to go outside and do [insert favorite outdoor activity here].

If this memory made you smile, then get out there and re-create that childhood happiness.

If you are at a loss for happy childhood activity memories, here are some of my own that you are welcome to try: swinging at the park, dancing like no one is watching, twirling clasped-hand with a friend, swimming, bike riding, rock climbing, etc.

Several acute TMJ pain treatment websites that I came across recommended to do some type of aerobic activity for the pain. In the throes of my TMJ spam pain, the last thing I wanted to do was go to a step aerobics class.

In hindsight, now fresh with my camping insight, participating in some sort of aerobic activity makes sense.

Aerobic activity:

1) Gets the blood flowing to your entire body (including your painful spasming jaw)
2) Makes you focus on something other than the pain as a type of distraction therapy
3) Causes a rush of feel-good endorphins (which are many times stronger than any opiate pain medication you could take).

What childhood memory will you channel?

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Outdoor Therapy for Scoliosis & TMJ

When my TMJ flared up horrendously a few weeks ago, I was at a loss about what to do for the 10/10 pain.
Google, my Ayurvedic self healing book, and various yoga positions provided a little relief, but the pain kept coming back with a vengeance.

A common theme that I discovered about all the sources that I read: being outdoors helps to relieve stress.
I took it upon myself to find a way to incorporate all of the suggestions that I'd gathered thus far: I decided to go camping.

Turns out it was a fantastic decision. Within hours of being at the campsite, my 10/10 TMJ pain that had prevented me from getting a full night's sleep for 7 days was most at a 2/10 at it's worst.

I attribute the pain relief to several factors:

1) Fresh air

Taking a deep breath of fresh, pollutant free air is a wonderful way to easily clear the mind and begin the path to relaxation.

2) Yoga

Being outside with few electronic gadgets makes it easier to do something other than watching TV.
My activity of choice when I'm in pain is yoga. I don't go overboard with any particular pose. As a matter of fact, one of my favorite camping yoga exercises is simply relaxing in my hammock. Easy as pie - it takes a ZERO effort and helps me to relax both my body and mind.
I think of camping as my very low cost alternative to one of those expensive yoga retreats. Cost is about $20 a night.
Completely worth the cash.

3) Setting Up Camp

Setting up a good campsite takes a little skill - both mental and physical. You have to work pretty hard to put up a tent, mosquito-proof your campsite, and stay hydrated in the August Texas heat.
This probably doesn't really sound fun because it isn't. However, that isn't the point of the activity.
Using my mind and body to set up a nice campsite all by myself provides me with the ultimate DISTRACTION THERAPY. Think about it: you are.(desperately) trying to pitch your tent before you lose the sunlight and are forced to sleep in your car.

In this moment, these hours, the LAST thing you are thinking about is the nagging pain in your jaw or back.

Distraction therapy, meet yoga.

Turns out they were friends in a former life. :) Their souls get along splendidly; your body thanks you by releasing any tension or pain you may have.

No more pain. Life is good.

Happy camping, campers. :)



Happy campers...

Click here to try out my homemade bug spray. Works like a charm without that annoying greasy feeling!