5 Signs You May Have TMJ

Temporomandibular joint disorder, typically called TMJ, is a chronic and painful condition that affects millions of Americans. The Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be found below your ears, where the jaw attaches to the skull. This joint is essential for a variety of actions which involve the mouth area; this includes talking, laughing, eating, and even yawning. TMJ disorder is the term for the discomfort and pain which could happen any time when this particular joint stops functioning properly. Although not each and every ache and pain in this region may be related to TMJ, it may be helpful to understand the most typical indicators belonging to the disorder to help you find treatment, if needed prior to signs and symptoms worsening.

Listed below are five indicators that could signify you are being affected by TMJ disorder:

1. Aches and pains in the head, face and/or jaw. This kind of discomfort is the most frequent side-effect of TMJ. You might have migraines, “sinus” problems, scalp pain, facial tenderness, or pain and swelling in the jaw. This particular pain might even expand to the neck, shoulders, back or even into your arms and hands, triggering further pain and restricting range of motion. Muscle spasms can also develop, especially in the tongue. Just about any uncontrollable tongue motions may well suggest TMJ and really should be assessed by a medical or TMJ dental professional promptly.

2. Pain or ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or loss of hearing. With the close proximity of the Temporomandibular joint to the ears, TMJ symptoms may easily impact this region as well. Signs and symptoms consist of earaches, tinnitus and reduced hearing. These indicators could also signify an ear infection, however, if TMJ is to blame, no infection will be found. Frequently feeling lightheaded or perhaps a persistent feeling of vertigo could also indicate TMJ.  Because the symptoms are closely comparable to those of an inner ear disorder, it is important to get a proper diagnosis.

3. Noises while opening or closing the mouth. If you or others around you have heard a clicking, popping or grinding sound while you open or close your mouth, this could suggest that the jaw is in an unnatural position or a disc may be out of place. Such sounds are probably the second biggest indicator of TMJ, following pain. These sounds may happen independently, or they will often accompany some other TMJ warning signs such as an inability to open the jaw evenly or entirely, uncontrollable jaw motions or a jaw that “ favors” one side whenever opened.

4. Pain in or behind the eyes and vision problems. Your eyes may suddenly hurt, water or feel hypersensitive to light, and your eyesight can become blurry all resulting from TMJ disorder. Also, if you experience inexplicably bloodshot eyes or feel pressure behind the eyes are often indicative of TMJ when taken together with additional, more common signs and symptoms.

5. Sudden and persistent trouble with the teeth and gums. Considering the fact that TMJ disorder is a problem with the jaw, it's not at all unexpected that symptoms might transfer to the mouth in the process. Very sensitive or often achy teeth, a sudden habit to grind the teeth or clench the jaw, along with other teeth issues that appear to have no distinct dental trouble as their origin may just indicate TMJ. Furthermore, trouble swallowing is yet another probable indication of TMJ disorder.

If you are currently dealing with more than one of these signs and symptoms, you could have TMJ. A TMJ professional can help you identify and treat the condition quickly. Schedule a consultation today.