Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder or TMD affects millions of people throughout the country. Apart from causing pain, these inflamed or injured joints can limit your jaw’s mobility, affecting the way you eat and speak. Without timely and professional treatment from a skilled physician, you can expect your quality of life to decrease over time. But how can you know what to look for that might indicate an initial problem? These warning signs should lead you to call and schedule an appointment right away.
What Can Cause TMJ Disorder?
TMJ Disorder occurs when the jaw joints located on each side of your head become inflamed or injured. Your TMJs connect your jawbone to the base of your skull and can be impacted in such a way that it hinders your ability to complete daily tasks that require oral movement (i.e., eating, speaking, yawning, etc.).
Generally, the most common reasons TMJ Disorder occurs include:
- Stress causes muscle tension
- Teeth grinding and clenching, which causes unnecessary strain on these joints
- Facial trauma caused by sports or accidents
- A misaligned bite can cause uneven pressure on the TMJs
- Certain medical conditions, like fibromyalgia, can cause symptoms to worsen
What Warning Signs Do You Need to Watch For?
If you want to make sure that you maintain a normal and healthy way of life, our office suggests that you watch out for the following warning signs associated with TMJ:
- Persistent or increasing jaw pain that occurs when you speak or chew, making eating and talking with others difficult.
- Clicking or popping when trying to open your mouth is often a sign that your jaw is out of alignment.
- Ear pain or ringing is common, as pain that forms throughout the TMJs can radiate to the ears because of proximity.
- Regular headaches or migraines, as the TMJs are connected to the base of the skull, so this inflammation can lead to pain throughout the head.
- Limited jaw mobility that makes it hard to open and close your mouth and worsens over time.
- Pain that radiates throughout your jaw, face, and neck that stems from inflamed jaw joints.
- Bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching), as it can cause worn-down tooth enamel and excessive pressure on the TMJs and muscles.
- Difficulty chewing, as nutrient-rich foods can be hard to bite and chew, resulting in less healthy foods being consumed.
If you discover that you are dealing with potential TMJ Disorder, do not wait to seek help. The longer you avoid treatment, the more serious your symptoms will become. A local physician can implement effective, non-surgical solutions to alleviate any pain and improve jaw mobility for a better quality of life.
About the Author
Dr. James Pinkston is a board-certified neuromusculoskeletal physician who helps alleviate patients’ pain for longer-lasting overall health. After studying osteopathic medicine at Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, he completed his residency and underwent additional training in various specialties, including regenerative medicine. Offering non-surgical orthopedic treatments to those experiencing limited jaw mobility, he encourages you to visit our website or call (828) 417-9913 if you would like relief from the pain.