The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts like a sliding hinge connecting your jawbone to your skull. You have one joint on each side of your jaw, and these complex structures allow for movements like chewing, speaking, and yawning. When these joints or the surrounding muscles malfunction, the resulting condition is known as a temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Here’s more information on TMJ disorders and how they cause discomfort that disrupts daily routines:
Facial and Jaw Pain
One of the most noticeable symptoms of a temporomandibular joint disorder is localized pain in the face and jaw area. This can impact everyday activities like eating and speaking. Some individuals experience pain from genetics, arthritis, or direct injury, while others have discomfort caused by bruxism, or teeth grinding. Habitually clenching or grinding your teeth, even in your sleep, may place excessive pressure on your jaw. Connective tissue diseases that affect the entire body may also affect the TMJ, leading to chronic inflammation and discomfort.
Jaw Stiffness and Locking
Beyond pain, TMJ disorders frequently affect the mechanical function of the jaw. Many people with jaw disorders experience a distinct stiffness in the jaw muscles, especially upon waking in the morning. This tightness limits range of motion, making it difficult to open the mouth enough to eat or brush teeth comfortably.
When experiencing jaw issues, you might also notice clicking, popping, or grating sounds when you open or close your mouth. These sounds may indicate a disruption in joint movement and should be monitored if accompanied by pain or limited movement. In more severe cases, the jaw may lock in an open or closed position. This occurs when the disc of cartilage inside the joint slips out of place or becomes stuck. When the jaw locks, forcing it open or shut can cause pain and further damage.
Head and Neck Pain
The impact of a TMJ disorder is not always confined to the jaw alone, as the strain on the jaw joint often forces surrounding muscles to overcompensate. Because the muscles surrounding the TMJ are interconnected with those of the head, neck, and shoulders, dysfunction in the jaw may trigger widespread discomfort. Here is how this radiating pain can be managed.
Symptoms From Radiating Pain
Constant temporomandibular joint tension can radiate outward, leading to frequent tension headaches or migraines. The pain may travel down the neck and settle in the shoulders. Some individuals experience earaches or ringing in the ears (tinnitus), even though their ears are healthy. This referred pain occurs because the TMJ is located very close to the ear canal, and inflammation can easily affect the nearby structures.
Treatment Options
Managing this pain requires a multifaceted approach tailored to the severity of your disorder, but conservative treatments are usually the first line of defense. These may include eating soft foods, applying ice packs to your joints, and avoiding extreme jaw movements. Your pain management specialist may recommend oral medications and physical therapy exercises to reduce pain and strengthen your jaw muscles while improving flexibility. Some other treatment options include:
- Corrective Dental Treatment
- Botox
- Steroid Injections
- Surgery To Repair or Replace the Joint
Contact a TMJ Pain Specialist
Living with chronic jaw pain and restricted movement can be challenging, but you do not have to manage it alone. If you experience persistent jaw pain, you may benefit from a professional consultation. Contact a pain clinic for a consultation, as a specialist can determine which treatments are most effective for your needs.
