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What Are Some of the Symptoms of TMJ?
- By Dr. Pamela Dassenko, DDS
- Published 09/21/2009
- Wellness, Fitness and Diet
- Unrated
Dr. Pamela Dassenko, DDS
Dr. Pam Dassenko has been practicing Dentistry for over 25 years. She is a 1980 graduate of Loma Linda University where she has also taught restorative dentistry and prosthodontics. Her caring and expertise are translated into beautiful and quality dental care from cosmetic to advanced modern dental procedures. http://www.drdassenko.com
View all articles by Dr. Pamela Dassenko, DDS
When people talk about TMJ symptoms or problems they are referring to issues related to the working of the hinge in the jaw which is called the Temporo Mandibular Joint (TMJ). When this hinge that is made of bones and held in place thanks to the tension provided by cartilage and muscle and other connective tissues gets out of whack, it can cause discomfort. The discomfort may range from mild to extreme pain, and the symptoms may run the gamut from a clicking sensation to the complete lack of ability to properly use the jaw and bite down or hold the bones of the jaw and the rows of teeth in a proper natural alignment.
As we learned as little children in the song the knee bone is connected to the thigh bone all parts of the body are interdependently connected. So if your jaw hinge is out of synch, that can lead to symptomatic issues elsewhere. One example is that many people who experience problems with the TMJ also feel muscular pains that might crop up in the neck, in the shoulders, or even in the back. They might get headaches because the painful seizing up of those groups of muscles that are supposed to hold the jaw assembly in place are fighting to get it back into its right position. By doing so they clench and grab, often cramping up and creating knots of muscle that can be painful and tiring. With one bunch of muscles knotted up tight, the muscles connected to that tight or muscle spasm plagued part of the body will also lock up or tighten, in what is referred to
as a sympathetic reaction. In worst case scenarios what starts off as a seemingly minor TMJ problem can radiate from one muscle or group of tendons and muscles to others, and as it spreads the symptoms become more and more painful and debilitating.
When TMJ trouble persists, one of the most uncomfortable symptoms is migraines. Along with these exceptionally bad headaches one might also experience sleeplessness, nausea, and an aversion to bright lights. The recommendation is that those who even suspect that they have a TMJ issue surfacing should seek immediate help. If your jaw locks up sometimes, if it makes an audible clicking noise when you chew the kind of noise that you might hear if you pop your knuckles, for instance or if you feel the muscles of the jaw getting stiff, sore, and tight then you should make an appointment to have the situation evaluated by a qualified and trained professional like a massage therapist with TMJ experience, a medical doctor, a chiropractor, or your family dentist.
Generally speaking, those who are plagued by TMJ problems are best treated by going to the dentist, who will be able to diagnose the problem and then takes steps to remedy the situation. Many times a dentist will, for example, work with the joint or hinge to try to massage or realign it back into place so that it again functions like normal. Repeated visits are usually needed for those who have experienced chronic TMJ symptoms, whereas those with only mild problems can sometimes have the TMJ put back into its proper working position and get cured with just one or two visits.
As we learned as little children in the song the knee bone is connected to the thigh bone all parts of the body are interdependently connected. So if your jaw hinge is out of synch, that can lead to symptomatic issues elsewhere. One example is that many people who experience problems with the TMJ also feel muscular pains that might crop up in the neck, in the shoulders, or even in the back. They might get headaches because the painful seizing up of those groups of muscles that are supposed to hold the jaw assembly in place are fighting to get it back into its right position. By doing so they clench and grab, often cramping up and creating knots of muscle that can be painful and tiring. With one bunch of muscles knotted up tight, the muscles connected to that tight or muscle spasm plagued part of the body will also lock up or tighten, in what is referred to
When TMJ trouble persists, one of the most uncomfortable symptoms is migraines. Along with these exceptionally bad headaches one might also experience sleeplessness, nausea, and an aversion to bright lights. The recommendation is that those who even suspect that they have a TMJ issue surfacing should seek immediate help. If your jaw locks up sometimes, if it makes an audible clicking noise when you chew the kind of noise that you might hear if you pop your knuckles, for instance or if you feel the muscles of the jaw getting stiff, sore, and tight then you should make an appointment to have the situation evaluated by a qualified and trained professional like a massage therapist with TMJ experience, a medical doctor, a chiropractor, or your family dentist.
Generally speaking, those who are plagued by TMJ problems are best treated by going to the dentist, who will be able to diagnose the problem and then takes steps to remedy the situation. Many times a dentist will, for example, work with the joint or hinge to try to massage or realign it back into place so that it again functions like normal. Repeated visits are usually needed for those who have experienced chronic TMJ symptoms, whereas those with only mild problems can sometimes have the TMJ put back into its proper working position and get cured with just one or two visits.