{"id":1528,"date":"2018-04-25T07:17:01","date_gmt":"2018-04-25T07:17:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/besthealth.guide\/?p=1528"},"modified":"2021-10-05T06:14:22","modified_gmt":"2021-10-05T06:14:22","slug":"9-most-common-tmj-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/besthealth.guide\/9-most-common-tmj-symptoms\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Most Common TMJ Symptoms"},"content":{"rendered":"

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TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder is a condition that affects the muscles and nerves of the temporomandibular joint. This joint is located on each side of the jaw and it connects the jaw to the skull. TMJ occurs when the muscles and nerves of the TMJ joint become injured or inflamed.<\/p>\n

TMJ disorder is extremely common (an estimated 12 percent of American\u2019s suffer from the condition), and women are affected more than men. Determining the cause of TMJ can be challenging. There are several factors that can contribute to this disorder, including arthritis, genetics, habitual teeth grinding (bruxism), stress, diseases of the connective tissues, and injuries to the jaw. Whatever the cause, TMJ can be painful and in extreme cases, it can limit the ability to effectively operate the jaw.<\/p>\n

There are several symptoms associated with TMJ disorder. If you experience any of the following symptoms, chances are you have TMJ.<\/p>\n

1. Pain in the temporomandibular joint<\/h3>\n

Since TMJ disorder is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint, it is no surprise that one of the most common symptoms is a pain in this joint<\/a>. The temporomandibular joint is located on each side of the jaw, right in front of the ear. Every time you open and close your jaw, you have your TMJ joint to thank.<\/p>\n

It acts as a sliding hinge of sorts, allowing the jaw to move. Since TMJ disorder affects the muscles and nerves of this joint, it makes sense that the condition will cause pain in the joint itself. The pain can range from mild to severe and can come and go. You might notice that it\u2019s worse after eating or while you are talking. You could also experience more pain upon waking, which could be a sign that you grind your teeth while you sleep.\"\"<\/p>\n

2. Pain in the jaw<\/h3>\n

The pain caused by TMJ disorder can affect the jaw beyond the temporomandibular joint itself. The pain can extend to any part of the jaw<\/a>, including points that are directly surrounded by the joint, as well as spots far beyond the joint. In fact, you may not experience any pain in the temporomandibular joint itself, but rather feel pain in other spots in the jaw and the cause could still be TMJ disorder.<\/p>\n

This is known as referred pain, or pain that is experienced in other parts of the body than the site of the pain stimulus. If you are experiencing pain in your jaw that doesn\u2019t originate in the temporomandibular joint itself, a doctor will check for other conditions that could be causing your discomfort, such as with the teeth; however, often, pain in any part of the jaw is associated with TMJ disorder.\"\"<\/p>\n

3. Frequent headaches<\/h3>\n

Many people who suffer from TMJ disorder report experiencing headaches. These headaches can occur frequently and can range in severity from mild and throbbing to severe and piercing (similar to the pain that is associated with a migraine<\/a> headache). Since the temporomandibular joint is in the jaw, it makes sense that damage or an injury to the muscles or nerves within the joint would cause a headache.<\/p>\n

In fact, headaches are such a common symptom associated with TMJ disorder that many people believe that they are caused by something else, such as tension, sinus issues, or migraines, when in fact TMJ is to blame for the headaches. If you are suffering from frequent headaches that seem to come on after eating, chewing gum, talking, or sleeping (a sign that TMJ is caused by tooth grinding), you could be suffering from TMJ. Schedule an appointment with your doctor. \"\"<\/p>\n

4. Sounds in the jaw<\/h3>\n

Not all symptoms associated with TMJ disorder cause pain. In fact, one of the most common symptoms of this condition is noise emitted from the joint<\/a>, such as clicking, popping, and even grinding. You will likely notice these noises when you are eating, talking, chewing gum, or just opening your mouth. Joints consist of a ball and a socket. When a joint is damaged, the ball can become malformed and won\u2019t fit into the socket properly or it could fall out of proper alignment.<\/p>\n

When this happens, it becomes difficult for the joint to move along the socket. As a result, you could experience odd noises, such as clicking, popping, or grinding whenever you open your mouth. However, noises in the jaw are not always associated with TMJ. Noises in the jaw are common, but if they are associated with pain, you could have TMJ.\"\"<\/p>\n

5. Locking of the jaw<\/h3>\n

If you find that your jaw is locking \u2013 it is difficult to open or close \u2013 the issue could very well be the result of TMJ disorder. Since this condition can displace the ball of the jaw joint, it can prevent the jaw from opening or closing properly, which can make it incredibly difficult to close or open the mouth<\/a>. If your jaw becomes locked in place, it is very likely that you will also experience pain, which can be excruciating.<\/p>\n

The jaw may not become completely locked; however, opening and closing it could become a real challenge. In addition to the jaw becoming completely locked or having difficulty opening and closing it, you will likely also experience a great deal of pain whenever you try to open or close your mouth. The pain can be mild and subside, or searing and last a long time. \"\"<\/p>\n

6. Ringing in the ears<\/h3>\n

TMJ disorder doesn\u2019t only affect the jaw; it can also affect the ears<\/a>. Since the temporomandibular joint and the ears are so close to each other, it stands to reason that problems with the joint would lead to ear issues \u2013 namely, ringing in the ears (tinnitus). In fact, scientific studies have found that people who suffer from TMJ are more prone to tinnitus.<\/p>\n

There are a few reasons why TMJ can cause ringing in the ears: The muscles that operate the TMJ joint are situated near muscles that connect to the middle ear; ligaments that connect the jaw are connected to bones in the middle ear, and the nerves that are associated with the temporomandibular joint are connected to a part of the brain that controls hearing. If you are experiencing ringing in your ears, there\u2019s a chance that TMJ disorder could be to blame.\"\"<\/p>\n

7. Muscle spasms<\/h3>\n

Muscle<\/a> spasms are another symptom that is often associated with TMJ disorder. The spasms affect the side of the face that is affected by this condition and can impact the cheeks, the eyes, and even the neck. For example, you might experience a pulsing sensation in the cheek, eye twitching, or pulsating in the neck on the side of your jaw that is affected by TMJ.<\/p>\n

The spasms will likely come and go, but they can occur for an extended period of time before subsiding. They can also be mild or severe. Why does TMJ cause spasms? This condition overstretches the joints in the temporomandibular joint. Since the muscles and nerves in this part of the body are so complex and are connected to the temporomandibular joint, spasms can occur. Spasms can happen whenever you move your mouth or can occur even when the jaw is at rest. \"\"<\/p>\n

8. Swelling in the jaw and face<\/h3>\n

If you notice that your face is swollen, particularly around the temporomandibular joint itself, there is a very good chance that you have a TMJ disorder. The swelling<\/a> may be mild, but it can also be quite pronounced. TMJ disorder occurs when the muscles of the temporomandibular joint become injured or inflamed.<\/p>\n

As a result, the tissues that surround the joint can also become inflamed. In addition to the swelling, there is a very good chance that you will also experience pain and tenderness in the affected area. The swelling can extend beyond the joint itself and can often be seen behind the affected ear, as well as the cheek and the lower jawline. Though it may subside from time to time, it is very likely that the swelling will be constant. With proper treatment, however, the swelling \u2013 and other TMJ symptoms \u2013 will ease. \"\"<\/p>\n

9. Tooth sensitivity<\/h3>\n

Lastly, tooth sensitivity or pain are also commonly associated with TMJ disorder, especially if the condition is the result of teeth grinding (bruxism<\/a>). Sensitivity, pain, and soreness in the teeth will occur because of constant tooth grinding or clenching of the jaw. Though any of the teeth can be affected, those that will be impacted the most are typically the molars on the side of the face that is affected by TMJ disorder.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, many people who are suffering from tooth sensitivity or pain may not receive an accurate diagnosis and have extensive dental work performed, such as root canals or tooth extractions, to ease the pain, yet the actual cause of the problem isn\u2019t treated. In fact, if TMJ is the problem, not only will dental work not ease the pain, but it can actually make it worse! For this reason, an accurate diagnosis is necessary.<\/p>\n\r\n

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