The Pain of TMJ

TMJ is one of the most underestimated dental health issues today. Ask anyone who has severe TMJ and they will tell you how much the pain can interfere with their life. There are many side effects of this condition that are not well known to the general population. Because of this, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) can go undiagnosed or improperly diagnosed for years.

So, what is TMJ exactly, and why does it cause pain and other uncomfortable and bothersome symptoms in those that have it? Basically, this term is used to describe a range of disorders that affect the joint, which connects the jaw to the skull. It can be inflammation, a dislocation, and other types of trauma that occur to this joint that cause the symptoms.

One of the most painful symptoms of TMJ are the headaches and migraines it can trigger. People characterize headaches that are caused by this and very painful and life-altering. Depending on the amount of inflammation in the joint, some may experience such intense pain that they cannot function. This caliber of pain warrants treatment and possibly pain medications, so one can get on with their every day affairs.

The pain may not just be in the head, as occurs with the varying degrees of headaches and potentially migraines. One may also feel different ranges of pain in their ear, and can even experience a ringing in the ear. They may even mistake their TMJ for some sort of inner ear problem or an ear infection. In fact, this may just be another side effect of a dislocated or inflamed temporomandibular joint that is causing pain in the proximate area.

TMJ can also cause pain ranging from moderate to severe in the neck and shoulder area. Many times, car accidents and other trauma are blamed for the pain. However, some car crash victims who think they are suffering from muscle pain in these areas actually may be suffering from TMJ related pain. The joint can radiate the pain fairly far down the body from the actual site of the problem, which is another reason it is often misdiagnosed.

The pain of TMJ can cause nausea and vomiting for some individuals. This is another symptom to easily mistake for a passing flu or cold. Nausea and vomiting typically only occur in the more serious cases, and may indicate a real need for treatment if it persists. As with any other condition, TMJ can have its ups and downs, and one may experience more severe symptoms one day and virtually nothing the next.

Some people may report problems chewing or a bothersome clicking of the jaw when they chew food. Another bothersome symptom can be a complete locking of the jaw in the open position. Many times people who report a clicking noise or grinding sensation may also develop a dull throbbing pain in the jaw, or generally on their entire face. This is from the constant friction that is being caused by the joint.

While TMJ can cause a wide range of pain and nuisance, there are treatment options available to those that have this condition. You can do stretches very easily that help to stretch and condition the joint and may help get it back to proper placement. The stretches can even help alleviate pain because they help to reposition the joint.

The easiest stretch to do is to take you tongue and point it down toward the bottom of your mouth, where you can feel a deep recess under your tongue. Push your tongue down, pointing it into the hollowed out area that is just below the tongue. You should feel an immediate sense of release. Try to hold it for a minute.

The other option is to seek the treatment of an orthodontist who can help fit you with anti grinding devices for the night time when you sleep. Nightly jaw and teeth grinding is a common problem for those the suffer with TMJ. They also may prescribe a medication to help ease the pain and inflammation when you have a flare up.