symptoms of tmj pain

What are the Symptoms of TMJ Pain?

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Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, referred to as TMJ disorder, is a condition that roughly 52% of Indian adults suffer from. Although it affects both males and females alike, the latter are more likely to develop it.
In this article, we will highlight everything about Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. At the same time, we will highlight why women are more prone to this dental problem.

What Is TMJ Disorder?

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is the hinge joining of the upper and lower jaw, positioned in front of the ear. It allows the lower jaw to move in various directions while chewing, eating, talking, and yawning. Pain related to TMJ is known as temporomandibular Disorder or TMD.
This may seem minor, but it can actually result in severe consequences, like a clicking/popping jaw, chronic migraines, ringing in the ears, persistent teeth grinding, and unpleasant jaw pain. 
Some of the most common causes include trauma, an uneven bite, and prolonged wear and tear.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

TMJ Pain starts with occasional jaw pain or a morning headache on a daily basis. If left alone, these symptoms will progress and cause severe pain in the mouth region. With time, the inflammation will worsen, making chewing, speaking, and even smiling an uncomfortable chore.
Following are some common symptoms of TMJ problems include:

  • Tenderness or soreness in face muscle, shoulder, or neck
  • Aching pain in or around the ears
  • Feeling pain while chewing food
  • Difficult to open or close mouth
  •  Imperfect teeth positioning (Malocclusion)

Why It’s Important to Treat TMJ Disorder

TMJ pain management combines self-care measures, exercises, and biofeedback. A clinical evaluation will determine the exact source of your pain. Accordingly, it will recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
Physical therapy is also a significant part of treatment. In addition, a dentist can custom-mold an occlusal or night guard to help alleviate pain and prevent further damage. Also, medications can be prescribed to treat the underlying causes of TMJ pains.
TMJ pain is often treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which help with pain and swelling. However, some patients may need more potent analgesics, which your healthcare provider can prescribe.
Other medications may include muscle relaxants, which help relax tight jaw muscles, and anti-anxiety medicines to reduce stress, a common cause of TMJ pain.
A low-dose antidepressant can also help manage pain and symptoms but is only available with a physician’s prescription.
While TMJ pain management can range from simple self-care practices to open surgery, most physicians react to discomfort in TMJ by prescribing a prescription for a painkiller. But pain pills are highly addictive and may be given too quickly. 
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a standard treatment for TMJ pain and can be a helpful tool to reduce swelling and inflammation in the area. They can sometimes use higher doses of NSAIDs or narcotic analgesics to treat the pain.
For severe cases, the pain can also be managed with the help of soothing essential oils. The benefits of Kinesio taping may include:

  • Acupuncture 

It is a popular treatment option for TMJ pain. Acupuncture is a technique in which a licensed acupuncturist inserts thin needles into specific pain points on the body. These can stimulate the central nervous system and relieve pain.

  • Biofeedback

Biofeedback is another treatment option that can help manage pain in the TMJ region. It is a type of mind-body technique that one uses to control some of your body functions.
For treating TMJ pain, this therapy involves two steps:#1: The patient is made aware of the level of tension in the masseter muscles  #2: He/she is taught to reduce the tension level
Typically, medical professionals will recommend a conservative approach for TMJ pain management. 

  • Manual Therapy

Manual therapy can also help reduce the pain and muscle tension associated with TMJ. These therapies include a variety of exercises and massages or using a TMJ massage tool and a combination of modalities.However, there are other options for TMJ pain management, such as medication and surgery.

  • Chiropractic Massage

Chiropractic care is a good choice for people with TMJ; it is necessary to understand that it is not a cure. It is simply an adjunct to other treatment methods. It is best to consult with a chiropractor experienced in TMJ treatment.
In addition to the traditional treatment, many people have been helped through upper cervical chiropractic care. This type of chiropractic treatment is especially effective for TMJ pain. The doctor will carefully monitor your condition and determine the most effective exercises.

Why Does TMJ Disorder Occur More in Women?

Thanks to extensive research, we have an idea of why TMJ disorder may occur more in women. Here are a few theories:

  • Stress

A female’s hormones can easily be impacted by stress, decreasing their ability to rest peacefully. In turn, the body cannot produce the essential vitamins it needs.
Unfortunately, this cycle can continue exacerbating the issue at hand, resulting in further complications, like chronic teeth grinding/clenching.

  • Anatomy

Researchers found that the female jaw is more vulnerable to injury, inflammation, and exhaustion. Also, the decreased flow of blood and oxygen to the jawbone can cause lactic acid buildup, resulting in cramping, spasms, and pain.

  • Pregnancy

While expecting, mothers can experience a deficiency in essential vitamins like magnesium. A deficiency of any vitamins and minerals makes these expecting moms more susceptible to chronic headaches, teeth grinding, and other symptoms of TMJ pains.

To Conclude:

In some cases, patients may experience pain in the jaw. This is because the symptoms of TMJ problems can radiate down the face and up the neck. These acute and chronic symptoms can be accompanied by headaches and other symptoms. 
Although the pain is usually localized in the jaw, it is best to visit your nearest dentist if the problem is unbearable. The dentist will examine the area and offer the most effective treatment for the patient.
For more information regarding TMJ Pain treatment, connect with us today. We will be happy to assist you.
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FAQ

1. What is TMJ pain?
TMJ pain refers to discomfort or pain that originates from the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to your skull. This condition is also known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) and can cause various symptoms that affect jaw movement and facial comfort.

2. What are the common symptoms of TMJ pain?
Common symptoms of TMJ pain include jaw pain, facial pain, and difficulty in opening or closing the mouth. Other symptoms may include clicking or popping sounds when you chew or speak, headaches, earaches, and a feeling of the jaw being “locked” in a certain position.

3. Is TMJ pain only limited to the jaw area?
No, TMJ pain can extend beyond the jaw area. It might cause discomfort in the face, neck, shoulders, and even result in headaches or migraines.

4. What causes TMJ pain?
TMJ pain can be caused by various factors, including stress, teeth grinding (bruxism), misaligned teeth or bite, injury to the jaw or head, arthritis, or even genetics. Identifying the underlying cause is important for proper diagnosis and treatment.

5. How is TMJ pain diagnosed?
A dentist or medical professional will typically diagnose TMJ pain through a combination of medical history assessment, physical examination of the jaw and facial muscles, and possibly imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans.

6. Can TMJ pain affect eating and speaking?
Yes, TMJ pain can make eating and speaking uncomfortable or difficult. Chewing tough or hard foods might exacerbate the discomfort, and pain in the jaw muscles can lead to difficulties in forming words while speaking.