Most Common TMJ Symptoms: How to Know If You Have TMJ

TMJ is a tricky disorder, and it is very often under-diagnosed. Hence the need for a guide to self-diagnosing your TMJ disorder even before consulting a specialist. This article will provide you with a brief but comprehensive list of the most common TMJ symptoms. If you believe that you have two or more or them, it is highly recommended that you consult a specialist as soon as you can.

Severe Pain

All TMJ sufferers report experiencing severe pain - which, in some cases, is even described as excruciating. It generally involves the whole face region (especially the area surrounding the ears and the temples).

However, even though you pain is still manageable, consulting a doctor is always a good idea. Sometimes, what looks like a harmless ear infection can be a TMJ disorder in its early stages.

Grinding, popping and crunching sounds

if you are wondering whether your pain is TMJ-related, this symptom is very likely to provide you with an accurate answer to your dilemma. Asking your parents or friends if they ever noticed you make strange grinding and popping sounds with your jaw is probably the most important tell-tale sign of TMJ.

Visit a doctor immediately if you have this symptom. Grinding your teeth every day, for an extended period of time, can lead to permanent damage to the jaw cartilage, thereby considerably aggravating your TMJ disorder.

Frequent headaches

Do you often complain about your frequent headaches or migraines? If you have had this problem for a long time and the medicaments you have been taking have not helped you, then TMJ is very like the underlying cause of your disorder.

The only way to get rid of them is finding a TMJ specialist as soon as possible. Your dentist or family doctor are simply nor trained enough to diagnose this tricky disorder, which is also why TMJ sufferers very often spend thousands of dollars before being able to find a proper cure.

Over-sensitive eyes

TMJ patient often report having blurred vision, bloodshot eyes, watery eyes and pain below, above and behind the eye region. In addition, a dislocated temporo-mandibular joint can also lead to a disorder called photophobia (also known as "light sensitivity"). Finally, if your eye muscles are often twitching, you are very likely to be suffering from TMJ.

Pain in the neck region

Repeatedly clenching you jaw and contracting your facial muscles is often the underlying cause of your neck pain. The vast majority of TMJ sufferers complain about the severe pain in their neck, but they very often relate it to the wrong cause. In this case, watch out for any other TMJ symptoms. If you are experiencing at least two more, you are very likely suffering from TMJ.

Conclusion

The wisest thing to do if you have many of these TMJ symptoms is looking for a health professional with a proper training on these kind of disorders. Do your research and try to get a second opinion before undergoing surgery or trying extreme or new therapies. Many TMJ sufferers have ruined their lives because of their impatience.