Your Guide to TMJ
What is TMJ disorder?
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint, which is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. TMJ disorder often referred to as TMD, is a type of temporomandibular disorder that causes pain in the joint and muscle that controls the jaw movements.
What are the symptoms of TMJ disorder?
TMD can cause severe pain that is temporary or lasts years. TMD can affect one or both sides of your face, and women are more likely to suffer from TMD than men. TMD is most common in people who are between the ages of 20 and 40. The symptoms of TMD include:
- Tenderness or pain in the jaw joint, face, shoulders or neck, particularly when you open your mouth wide, chew or speak.
- Jaws that get locked or stuck in an open or closed position.
- Popping, clicking or grating sounds in the jaw joint when you chew or open and close your mouth.
- Fatigue in the face.
- An uncomfortable bite or trouble chewing.
- Swelling on one or both sides of your face.
Dizziness, headaches, toothaches, neck aches, ringing in the ears and hearing problems are also common in people who suffer from TMD.
What causes TMJ disorder?
The exact cause of TMD is unclear, but many dentists believe that the symptoms are caused by problems with certain parts of the joint or muscles in the jaw. Injury to the joint, the jaw or the muscles in your neck or head, like whiplash or a heavy blow to the head, can also lead to TMD. Here are a few other things that may cause TMD:
- Clenching or grinding the teeth. This puts excessive pressure on the temporomandibular joint.
- Arthritis in the temporomandibular joint.
- Movement of the disc that sits between the socket and ball of the temporomandibular joint.
- Stress, because it can lead to the clenching or tightening of the jaw, the facial muscles or the teeth.
What can you do to find TMJ pain relief?
When it comes to TMJ pain, there are many different treatment options, but many people just end up taking pain medication to find relief. However, our chiropractors in Evansville can help you find pain relief with treatments that are noninvasive and don’t require you to take medication.
The first step to finding relief from TMJ pain is to turn to our chiropractor in Evansville. We will work with you to find a solution that helps you find effective TMJ pain relief. Schedule your appointment online today!