Symptoms Of TMJ
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TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome, is a wide-sweeping term for acute or chronic inflammation in the TMJ joint which connects to the skull. You have two of these, one on each side. TMJ pain is often mistaken for other problems such as earaches. The problem has nothing to do with the ear but often causes pain in that area since that is near where the joint connects to the skull. Here are a few symptoms of TMJ that can help you determine if the discomfort you’re feeling is actually TMJ pain.
- Pain in the facial muscles and joints: TMJ can cause pain and soreness especially if it is creating lock jaw, locking shut or making it difficult to open the mouth. Pain is usually in front of the joint itself, just below the ear, but it can move elsewhere on the face.
- Pain in the ears: Patients often mistake TMJ for earaches. When the joint grinds back and forth patients typically feel that they are experiencing ear pain because the joint is too close for them to differentiate where it is occurring. This could cause ringing in the ears and hearing problems.
- Clicking or popping noises: The TMJ treatment might not be needed if there is no discomfort in the clicking or popping noises. The clicking or popping noises happen when the joints move or are out of place. It can become loud enough for others to hear as well. This is one of the most common symptoms of TMJ.
- Swelling on the affected side of the head: The patient’s face and mouth may swell from the irritation of their joints.
- Headaches: Headaches are common but not all patients with TMJ experience this kind of TMJ pain. These headaches can lead to dizziness or nausea.
- Difficulty biting down properly: If one side or one joint becomes sorer than the other patients may find themselves favoring a side of their mouth that produces less TMJ pain. When this happens they create a habit of opening and closing their mouth improperly.
This is not a conclusive list of TJM symptoms. TMJ can be caused by trauma, disease, aging, or bad habits such as excessive gum chewing or grinding. To have TMJ you could have one or all of the above TMJ symptoms. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and you think they could be TMJ pain, you should to have them looked at.
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