Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is painful because it impacts bone and muscular activity throughout the head and face. As a TMJ specialist in the greater Westlake area, I’m here to let you know that this disorder can manifest as many symptoms – not just jaw pain. While you might think the symptoms below are isolated symptoms, they could very well indicate a TMJ or Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) diagnosis.
You Experience Migraines or Chronic Headaches
There is always a root cause for every headache. Because of the proximity of the jaw to the head, it’s easy for that pain to travel upward. There are also a number of nerves in the face that run right alongside the TMJ. This means a little bit of TMJ pain can create a big TMJ headache.
Frequent Back or Neck Pain
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a sensitive part of your body and, if your bite moves out of alignment, it can lead to significant pain radiating out to all different parts of the body, including the neck, back, and shoulders.
Poor Balance
Most of the body’s balance comes from the inner ear. TMJ or TMD can cause inflammation or misalignment in this area, which can trigger vertigo, dizziness, or general coordination problems.
Poor Sleep Patterns
A disorder in the jaw such as TMJ or TMD can cause pain and discomfort in other parts of the body and these TMJ disorder symptoms — including sleep apnea, teeth grinding and tension headaches or migraines — can impact your ability to get a good night’s sleep.
Hearing Problems
The TMJ is closely related to the ear, which often results in hearing problems. Many TMD patients find that ringing of the ears (tinnitus) and hearing loss can strike as a result of TMJ problems.
Treating this disorder can have a positive impact on your physical health and overall quality of life. Contact us today at [business-name] in [city], [state] to schedule a consultation with our TMJ specialist.
