While the reason for what causes TMJ is not certain, many doctors believe that TMJ is the result of problems with muscles in the jaw that effect the TM joint.
The temporomandibular joint connects the lower jaw and the temporal bone of the skull. This joint is located towards the front of the ears, or at the sides of the head. It is a flexible joint that allows the jaw to move up, down, and sideways. It provides us with movements we need to talk, chew and yawn.
Using the jaw muscles and joint too much can happen with too much clenching and grinding ot the teeth. This over-exertion can be a cause for TMJ symptoms. Stress is also a major factor in contributing to TMJ. This is because when we are stressed we usually clench our jaw or tighten facial muscles as a natural reaction. There are other causes that effect the TM joint and muscles that contribute to TMJ pain.
These are seven symptoms for TMJ that you should be aware of:
1. Headache - One of the more common symptoms for TMJ is headache. About 80% of TMJ patients complain of this. The pain is made even worse when you open or close your jaw, or are exposed to the cold, which increases facial pain and muscle contraction.
2. Sounds - Grinding, crunching, or popping sounds, known as crepitus, are common symptoms for TMJ. Ask a partner or a family member to let you know if they hear you do any of these, and see a specialist immediately. Teeth grinding and clenching can wear out the jaw cartilage, which may lead to TMJ.
3. Eye pain and sensitivity - Many patients observe symptoms such as bloodshot eyes, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, watery eyes, pressure behind the eyes, and pain above, below, and behind the eyes.
4. Dizziness - While dizziness is a symptom caused by many different ailments -- including the fact that you skipped a meal -- many TMJ patients report feeling dizzy and imbalanced.
5. Ear pain - If you're feeling some pain in front of or below the ear, you'd better get yourself checked. In many cases, what may seem like an ear infection can be TMJ.
6. Fullness of the ear - If your ears feel muffled, clogged, or full, it may be a sign that you have TMJ. This feeling of ear fullness and pain is even more noticeable during airplane takeoffs and landings.
7. Ringing in the ear - Tinnitus, or noise or ringing in the ears, is one of the symptoms for TMJ. This feeling usually goes away when your TMJ is treated.
These ailments may indicate other factors than TMJ, but it is wise to be aware of what your body and consult your doctor with anything that is out of the ordinary. Catching TMJ with an early diagnosis can help your doctor advise a good treatment plan to help with your symptoms. You should not have to suffer in pain as long.
