TMJ/Jaw Pain

MAGNESIUM

[1] Magnesium helps reduce chronic pain by blocking NMDA receptors in the brain and spinal cord. These receptors normally allow calcium into nerve cells, which increases pain; magnesium prevents this, lowering pain signals. This makes it a safe, lower-side-effect for long term pain management compared to some other treatments. 

[2] Research suggests magnesium supports overall joint muscle health, which may help with jaw pain related to TMJ disorders. It is essential for muscle relaxation and nerve function, and higher magnesium levels have been linked to reduced pain, improved physical function, and better musculoskeletal comfort. 

[3] A meta-analysis of randomized control trials found that magnesium can lead to a decrease in inflammatory markers (14). Another review of clinical studies confirmed these findings showing that magnesium intake was consistently associated with reduced inflammation (15).

MENTHOL

[1] Menthol is well recognized for its ability to help ease acute and inflammatory pain

[2] In a randomized controlled trial, a menthol-based topical analgesic significantly reduced pain sensitivity across multiple muscles and tendons

[3] A randomized trial demonstrated that a topical patch containing menthol provided meaningful relief for mild-moderate muscle strains compared with controlled treatment

Plant-Based Collagen

[1] Hydrolyzed collagen supplementation shows statistically significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity vs placebo. A systematic review of 26 RCT (n=1,271) found improved hydration and elasticity with hydrolyzed collagen 

[2] A clinical study of a native collagen sheet mask (>62% bovine collagen) found improvements in skin hydration, wrinkle volume, skin roughness compared to a cellulose sheet mask

[3] A randomized triple-blind study of a collagen supplement found wrinkle/elasticity improvements in women aged 45-60

Magnesium

[1] There is substantial literature on magnesium deficiency and migraine. For example, magnesium influences NMDA receptor activity, neurotransmitter release, vascular tone, cortical spreading depression → all of which are implicated in migraine pathogenesis

[2] Magnesium has been found to help prevent or lessen migraines by stabilizing neuronal activity, protecting against neuro-vascular and inflammatory triggers, and supporting cellular energy. For many people, magnesium supplementation may be a safe, low-cost, supportive tool in a broader migraine-prevention or management plan 

[3] Magnesium helps relax blood vessels, calm sensitive nerves, and regulate key brain chemicals involved in headaches

[4] Clinical research shows magnesium can reduce migraine frequency and pain

[5] Early studies show that magnesium applied to the skin can be absorbed, making it a low-risk way to support tense muscles and overall nerve comfort

[6] In the brain, magnesium helps regulate ion flow (for example regulating calcium channels) and supports neurotransmission balance, contributing to healthy neural signalling and overall neuropsychological stability

Menthol

[1] A randomized, triple-blind placebo-controlled crossover study found that a 10% menthol solution applied to the forehead and temporal area in patients with migraine without aura significantly improved 2-h pain free and pain relief outcomes vs placebo.

[2] An open-label pilot trial of a 6% menthol gel (STOPAIN) applied to the skull base within 2 hours of migraine onset found that 52% of participants had improvement by at least one pain severity level at 2 h, and 28% were headache free at 2 hours.

[3] When applied to the skin, menthol activates TRPM8 "cooling" receptors. This gently increases local blood flow and helps quiet overactive pain signals

[4] Clinical studies of menthol-rich peppermint oil applied to the temples and forehead show relief for tension-type headaches and some migraines, with effects comparable to over-the-counter pain relievers in some trials

Chamomile

[1] In a study looking at the evaluation of topical chamomile for pain relief in migraines, researchers found significant reductions in pain and associated symptoms such as nausea, photophobia and phonophobia within 30 minutes. Additionally, a high-proportion were pain free at 2 hours in the chamomile group vs placebo.

[2] Topically applied chamomile provided abortive relief for migraines, offering analgesic and permeation-enhancing properties, avoiding the adverse effects and compliance problems of NSAIDs, corticosteroids, triptans and ergot alkaloids.

[3] In randomized, placebo-controlled trails, chamomile has been shown to reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, with participants experiencing significantly greater improvements of anxiety scores compared with placebo

[4] Longer-term follow-up studies found that continued chamomile use decreased the likelihood of anxiety relapse and improved moderate anxiety symptoms

[5] Clinical studies on chamomile report improvements in sleep quality, including fewer nighttime awakenings and better sleep continuity

Green Tea

[1] Green tea has been shown to help reduce anxiety and improve cognition such as memory and attention benefits and brain function like activation of working memory

[2] Green tea, naturally contains the amino acid L-theanine, which in healthy adults has been associated with improvements in attention and working memory, increasing accuracy and reducing errors in working memory tasks

[3] Green tea, has been linked to increasing alpha-wave activity in the brain, a pattern linked to a relaxed, alert mental state