{"id":2009,"date":"2018-07-13T04:50:16","date_gmt":"2018-07-13T04:50:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=2009"},"modified":"2021-03-18T15:44:54","modified_gmt":"2021-03-18T15:44:54","slug":"9-unique-tmj-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/9-unique-tmj-symptoms\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Unique TMJ Symptoms"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Is your jaw sore? Persistent pain in the jaw and the muscles that control it could mean that you are suffering from Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction, (TMJ). This joint disorder is challenging to self-diagnose, so it\u2019s best to consult with a medical professional for an accurate assessment of your condition.<\/p>\n

The temporomandibular joints connect the mandible (otherwise known as the jawbone) to the temporal bone of the skull, via means of a fibrous joint capsule filled with synovial fluid. The articular capsule supports the joint structurally, and the inner layer, known as the synovial membrane, seals in the synovial fluid.<\/p>\n

The joint capsule surrounds the joint, incorporating the articular disc. The disc consists of connective tissues positioned between the two bones that form the temporomandibular joint. Dysfunction of the joint occurs if the disc erodes or displaces itself due to trauma. TMJ is an uncomfortable condition to deal with, it reduces your quality of life and makes an issue out of simple tasks that should please you, such as eating.<\/p>\n

Contact your medical professional for a consultation if you experience any of these 9 unique symptoms of TMJ.<\/p>\n

1. Mouth Pain<\/h3>\n

A common symptom of TMJ Dysfunction is a dull, pulsing ache<\/a> in the mouth. The aching feeling feels like a constant tension applied to the jawline. It\u2019s also common for people suffering from TMJ to experience an intensity of symptoms after completing tasks like eating or yawning.<\/p>\n

The excessive pressure placed on the temporomandibular joint while it is in a dysfunctional state exacerbates the mouth ache, sometimes for hours afterward. Displacement of the disc leads to other imbalances in the jaw muscles. This misalignment creates new pressure points further increasing the symptoms of discomfort in other areas of the jaw, like the gums and teeth.<\/p>\n

This symptom of TMJ often presents itself alongside other symptoms such as a toothache, lockjaw, and headaches. The inflammation associated with the displaced temporomandibular joint will only subside with treatment. After treatment, you can expect the symptoms of mouth ache to subside over a period of two to three days after the disc is returned to its natural state.<\/p>\n

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2. Jaw Pain<\/h3>\n

The temporomandibular joint plays a critical role in the function of the jaw and other surrounding areas of the skull. It\u2019s rare for people to experience TMJ dysfunction in both joints. However, inflammation<\/a> may spread from the joint to the jaw, creating a pain response in the entire jawline. The severity of jaw pain depends upon the extent of the inflammation produced by the displaced disc.<\/p>\n

People with minor TMJ dysfunction may notice a slight ache that shoots across the jawline from one side of the head to the other. However, those living with advanced dysfunction of the TMJ may experience intense symptoms of pain that include a dull ache and flashes of pain that can even create temporary blindness.<\/p>\n

Jaw pain is one of the most common signs of TMJ, and it also presents itself amidst other symptoms that may include a headache and migraines, as well as a toothache and lockjaw.<\/p>\n

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3. Lock Jaw<\/h3>\n

This jaw dysfunction is well-known as a symptom of the bacterial infection known as Tetanus<\/a>. This disorder prevents you from opening your mouth completely, due to excessive inflammation of the TMJ. Symptoms of the disorder range from tightness in the jaw while yawning or chewing, to full-blown symptoms that prevent the jaw from moving at all.<\/p>\n

Lockjaw usually only presents itself in the advanced stages of TMJ disorder. Some people suffering from TMJ may never experience any lockjaw symptoms if the dysfunction is diagnosed and treated in its early stages. However, if the condition is left undiagnosed and untreated, symptoms will progress eventually manifesting lockjaw.<\/p>\n

Lockjaw is a severe symptom of TMJ and may be challenging to reverse. If the disc displaces itself during yawning, or while clenching your jaw, your jaw may be locked open or closed. The stress placed on the jaw muscles in either of these states inflicts severe pain and requires immediate treatment by a medical professional.<\/p>\n

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\"\"4. Toothache<\/h3>\n

TMJ disorder acts as a catalyst for other dysfunctions of the jaw and mouth. Inflammation of the temporomandibular joint acts as an inflammatory catalyst that spreads through the jaw bone, teeth, and palette.<\/p>\n

Excessive levels of inflammation may result in painful, sharp toothache<\/a> affecting several teeth on different sides of the mouth, as well as both the upper and lower jaw. This symptom usually occurs in the advanced stages of TMJ after inflammation has spread to the entire jawline.<\/p>\n

People experiencing toothache as a result of TMJ dysfunction, report the feeling of pain to be deeper and more profound than a traditional toothache from a cavity. It\u2019s common for toothaches that occur as a result of TMJ, to evolve into headaches or migraines.<\/p>\n

Visiting your dentist won\u2019t solve the problem, they will most likely refer you to your M.D. You\u2019ll need to consult with a doctor or joint specialist to receive the treatment and medication you need to make a successful recovery.<\/p>\n

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5. Tender Joints<\/h3>\n

Inflammation of one of the components of the skeletal system will lead to further swelling of other bones and joints<\/a> that may be related or unrelated to TMJ disorder. For example, it\u2019s entirely possible for inflammation of the TMJ to spread to the teeth and jaw. Many people suffering from TMJ dysfunction report a tender or painful response to touching the TMJ itself.<\/p>\n

The disorder may also aggravate symptoms of chronic skeletal diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. The condition may affect any current joint issues you are dealing with, like lower back pain or sore wrists.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also possible for inflammation to spread from the skeletal system to other biological systems within the body such as the nervous system. Increased inflammation disrupts normal homeostasis sending a tidal wave of adverse symptoms throughout the body that may affect cognitive and neurological function while reducing your feeling of well-being and quality of life.<\/p>\n

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6. Ear Pain<\/h3>\n

The health of the TMJ directly affects the vestibular system, a group of three canals found behind the ear. Inflammation of the TMJ will spread to the vestibular system<\/a>, creating ear pain. Spasms in the jaw lead to over-stimulation of the muscles and tissues that support the mandibles and their connection to the temporal bone. This over-stimulation affects the ear canal creating a sharp, piercing pain whenever the jaw is used forcefully, such as when chewing.<\/p>\n

As TMJ dysfunction advances, the displaced disc may click out of place during movement of the jaw. It\u2019s common for people suffering from ear pain to notice the clicking occurring while simultaneously experiencing ear pain. Cold compresses and ear-drops won\u2019t help relieve the ear pain. Pain in the ears is incredibly debilitating and can result in a loss of balance as the vestibular system copes with the effects of excessive inflammation of the ear canal and TMJ.<\/p>\n

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7. Headache and Migraines<\/h3>\n

People suffering from TMJ dysfunction frequently report headaches as the number one symptom associated with the disorder. Inflammation from a displaced disc in the TMJ will spread to the vestibular system where it affects neurological processes in the brain. Likewise, tension from the overly stressed TMJ may spread through the base of the skull as well as the ocular cavities. This tension manifests headaches that can progress into migraines<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Many doctors overlook TMJ dysfunction when treating headaches or migraines, especially if the patient does not have any other pressing symptoms such as a sore jaw or an earache. Instead, they may diagnose the condition as a simple tension headache and prescribe medication to treat their diagnosis.<\/p>\n

Pain medications will reduce the symptoms of headaches and migraines. However, they will only provide a temporary solution, and you can expect the pain to return as your condition deteriorates further. The only way to alleviate the headaches is to seek a second opinion for the treatment of the dysfunction.<\/p>\n

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8. Muscle Spasms<\/h3>\n

During bouts of pain, it\u2019s common for individuals suffering from TMJ dysfunction to experience minor muscle spasms<\/a> in their jaw, neck, and ears as well. The effect of the muscle spasm may be so mild that individuals suffering from TMJ dysfunction may not even become aware of the spasm until days after it first presents itself.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s common for the spasms to worsen in severity if TMJ dysfunction is left untreated. As the spasms increase in intensity, they may spread to other areas of the space such as the eyelids, cheeks, and forehead. Pain rarely accompanies the spasms. However, it’s often next to impossible to control them, and if left untreated, it may develop into a twitch disorder.<\/p>\n

Muscle spasms manifest quickly, and there is nothing you can do to stop them once they start, you will have to wait it out. If the spasms frequently recur, speak to your doctor about a muscle relaxant to help your situation.<\/p>\n

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9. Trouble Chewing<\/h3>\n

TMJ dysfunction disrupts the normal function of the jawbone and jaw muscles by creating inflammation in the synovial fluid and fibrous capsule of the TMJ. This inflammation creates swelling around the TMJ area that is noticeable when an individual suffering from the condition touches their jaw or applies pressure to the joint through activities such as eating.<\/p>\n

The pressure exerted on the TMJ joint as you chew your food leads to a sharp pain that runs across your jawline every time you take a bite. Some people living with advanced symptoms of TMJ dysfunction, such as lockjaw<\/a>, may need to consume their calories through shakes or smoothies to avoid the pain associated with eating hard foods.<\/p>\n

Individuals that are suffering from TMJ dysfunction report that chewing becomes a chore. In its weakened and inflamed state, the TMJ is physically unable to complete the task of chewing. The pain associated with chewing makes them less inclined to feel hungry or miss a meal.<\/p>\n

\"\"10. Pain in the Temporomandibular Joints<\/h3>\n

People who are suffering from TMJ first notice signs of their condition when they start to experience pain in the temporomandibular joints. However, many people write off these initial symptoms as pain from chewing too hard on food, or sleeping wrong. Typically, the pain starts on one side of the head and spreads to the other side in a few days. It\u2019s relatively rare to experience pain in both temporomandibular joints initially.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, as the condition worsens, the pain spreads to the other side of the head, affecting the other temporomandibular joint as well. When the pain starts on both sides of the head, it\u2019s a profoundly uncomfortable sensation. Your pain symptoms will vary in density depending on the severity of the inflammation in the joint.<\/span><\/p>\n

TMJ inflammation typically occurs in seniors who have other inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis or osteoporosis<\/a>. Doctors treat signs of inflammation and pain using medication.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"11. Arthritis in the Jaw<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

More than 40-million Americans suffer from inflammatory bone, and joint disease is known as arthritis<\/a>. This condition produces inflammation in the joints that inhibits their normal function. People affected by arthritis, typically experience the onset of the disease in their fingers, wrists, elbows, ankles, and knees. If the affected individual played sports in their youth, they may also develop arthritis symptoms in their shoulders, neck, and lower back as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

While the majority of people who are suffering from arthritis are over the age of 55-years old, there are cases of early-onset arthritis that occur in young people as well. Genetic disorders can cause some teens to develop the disease, dramatically reducing their quality of life. Some teens require joint replacements by the time they enter their early twenties.<\/span><\/p>\n

In some instances, arthritis can affect the temporomandibular joints as well. This inflammatory bone disease degrades the joint, creating symptoms of pain in one or both sides of the jaw.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"12. Sleep Disorders<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Trying to fall asleep when you have pain in the temporomandibular joints can be a challenge, especially if you sleep with one side of your head on the pillow. The pressure placed on the jaw by the weight of your head and the surface of the pillow exacerbates pain symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most people who experience inflammation of the temporomandibular<\/a> joints will try to shift their sleeping position to their back. Sleeping on your back eliminates the pressure on your jaw, allowing you to get a good night\u2019s sleep. However, many people find it very difficult to change their sleeping position, and it may take weeks before your body adjusts to sleeping on your back.<\/span><\/p>\n

During the adjustment period, patients with temporomandibular joint inflammation may toss and turn all night as they swap positions. This behavior results in the patient not getting the rest they require to recover their neural function overnight. As a result, they may experience tiredness and fatigue during the day.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"13. Causes of TMJ<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

The temporomandibular joint combines a sliding movement with a hinged action that allows people to chew and move their jaw from side to side. The sections of bone in the joints have cartilage covering them, with a disk separating the two bones<\/a> in the joint. The thin disk provides a shock-absorption effect, allowing for smooth movement of the jaw in multiple directions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Symptoms of TMJ inflammation and pain start to occur when the disk moves out of its correct alignment. Alignment issues cause rapid erosion of the disc separating the bones, leading to inflammation and the development of arthritis in the TMJ. <\/span><\/p>\n

People who compete or train in sports, such as MMA, boxing, or football, often experience trauma to the jaw. This trauma results in slippage of the disc and accelerated erosion. As a result of the decay, the affected individual may begin to develop signs of arthritis that causes pain in the TMJ.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"14. Risk Factors for Developing TMJ<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

TMJ has a specific set of risk factors that make one subset of the population more prone to developing the condition than others. TMJ is a relatively obscure disease<\/a>, and in some cases, it\u2019s still not clear what spurs the onset of the disease.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, your risk of developing the disease increases if you have any of the following risk factors.<\/span><\/p>\n