Pain from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can present in many different ways, such as headaches, jaw pain, and clicking noises. This often leads people to wonder if the symptoms they feel are related to the joint or something else.
So, how do you know if what you are feeling is the result of a TMJ disorder? Let’s find out.
What are TMJ Disorders?
The TMJ acts as a hinge that connects the jawbone to the skull, allowing the jaw to move so that you can eat, laugh, and speak. TMJ disorders impact not only the joint on either side of the face by the ears but also the muscles and ligaments surrounding it.
TMD as it is often known, refers to a variety of different disorders that arise from different causes, such as grinding, clenching, misalignments, and the like. Each can cause pain, interfere with movement, and cause overall discomfort.
Signs of TMJ Disorders
How do you know if you have a TMJ disorder? There are a few very common signs that seem to appear regardless of the cause. These include:
- Pain and tenderness. Constant or intermittent pain can appear around the joint, ears, and temples. It can worsen with movements, such as when talking or chewing.
- Headaches. It is common for TMJ disorders to cause headaches, including migraine and tension headaches.
- Ear Pain. Due to the physical location of the TMJ, ear pain and a feeling of fullness in the ears is another common symptom.
- Clicking and popping sounds. Many people with TMD hear clicking, popping, or grating noises when opening and closing their mouths.
- Painful chewing. Because this joint is so important in the biting and chewing process, it can make chewing difficult — and painful when it is ailing.
- Neck and shoulder pain. The muscles and ligaments that are found around the TMJ are also connected to the neck and shoulders. Therefore it is not uncommon for the pain to be felt here, too.
While less common, it is still possible for the jaw to lock. It may get stuck in an open or closed position, requiring manual manipulation to release it.
Treating TMJ Disorders
What does TMJ treatment look like?
Due to a dentist's familiarity with this area of the body, they are often the best source to turn to for treatment. And, depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the symptoms, there are multiple treatment options available.
For mild TMJ pain, at-home treatments can offer relief, such as resting your jaw, eating soft foods, and applying ice and heat. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help, too.
Patients with more severe pain may benefit from oral appliance therapy, making use of custom mouthguards and splints to reduce the grinding and clenching of teeth that can cause TMJ disorders to flare up.
Prescription muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatory medications can help, as well as exercises.
In the most extreme cases, oral surgery may be needed to correct structural issues with the jaw.
Minoli & Vijay Provide Relief for TMJ Disorders
Do you think you may be suffering from TMJ pain? Get to the root cause of your pain with Minoli & Vijay on the Upper East Side, NYC. Contact us today at 212-888-4140 to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TMJ a stress-related disorder?
Although it is not the only cause, TMJ disorder can result from increased levels of stress and anxiety — especially if it leads to clenching and grinding the teeth.
Can TMJ disorders be cured at home?
There are a few things you can do at home to reduce your TMJ symptoms. However, without addressing the root cause, they are likely to return. This is why it is best to work with your dentist.