3 Tips for First-Time Travelers to Israel
Manage Your Jaw Pain
Tips for Easing the Symptoms of TMD
This past summer, my wife and I traveled to Israel for the first time. We had a wonderful time and a chance to take in what the beautiful country offered. The people were welcoming and the food was phenomenal — it was certainly an experience worth taking. Here are a few tips for anyone else who may be considering a first-time trip to Israel.
It’s a strange feeling for anyone who’s experienced it: waking up to find that your jaw is extremely sore, maybe even to the point where you can’t fully open or close your mouth. Sufferers report various degrees of discomfort, but anyone who knows how it feels agrees that temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain hurts. When it becomes chronic, it is referred to as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). There are still no definitive answers as to what causes TMJ, though doctors believe stress, anxiety, bruxism (an unconscious grinding of the teeth), and joint imbalances may all contribute. Most cases last a few weeks, but if you suffer from TMJ for longer than that, you should consult your dentist or physician. If you’re waking up with jaw pain, there are a few things you can do to manage the symptoms at home. Here are some suggestions from the Temporomandibular Joint Association (TMJA) and the Mayo Clinic: • Apply a moist heat compress to the jaw to reduce pain and increase function. • ● Apply an ice pack to ease the pain and reduce inflammation (wrap it with a thin cloth to keep it from touching the skin). • ● Try sleeping on your side. • ● Relax the jaw by consciously unclenching and taking deep breaths. • ● Eat soft foods. Some medical professionals prescribe an oral splint to stabilize the jaw and reduce pain. But in one recent clinical trial at the Tokyo Medical and Dental University, they found that therapeutic jaw exercises helped patients recover faster from TMJ symptoms than splints. A physical therapist can show you similar exercises that will reduce your TMJ pain. The effectiveness of surgical treatments to address TMJ disorders is still unclear, so talk to your dentist or medical provider to see what kinds of less invasive treatments are available. While there is such a thing as a TMJ specialist, there are many treatments that come from varying schools of thought and are not always based on scientific evidence. Working with your general dentist may be just as effective for you. Some patients have found relief through the TruDenta treatment program, which combines massage therapy, cold laser therapy, microcurrents, and ultrasound to treat the symptoms of TMD. Others have found acupuncture and other forms of alternative medicine to be effective. Given all the options, the first step to address your jaw pain is to educate yourself so you can make the TMD treatment decision that is right for you.
Culture Shock For first time visitors, there can be some culture shock. Practically everyone in Israel must join the military for two years after they turn 18. As part of this, you will see young folks patrolling with firearms. Coming from the U.S., it can be an odd sight. However, it’s perfectly normal, and you can go about your business exploring and taking in the sights. Safety People may make many assumptions about safety before traveling to Israel. While there are areas of conflict in the region, chances are you will not see any of it — at least nothing as it’s portrayed on TV. Israel is a safe destination, and they take security very seriously. Many travelers report walking in metropolitan areas during both day and night without experiencing any trouble. However, if should you find yourself in an area of high tension or potential violence, leave if possible or seek immediate shelter. Shabbat Visitors will notice many shops, restaurants, and tourist spots close for Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath. Even many forms of public transit come to a halt in certain areas, particularly Jerusalem. It’s good to plan accordingly, as it can be harder to find open businesses on Friday evening through Saturday. If you’re in Tel Aviv, for instance, Shabbat isn’t as widely practiced and more businesses tend to stay open. Israel is an incredible locale with something new to discover around every corner. Have fun and give yourself time to take in the history and culture of the country.
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