What Does TMJ Pain Feel Like?
Have you ever experienced pain in your jaw? If so, you may be familiar with the discomfort that temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) can bring. TMJ disorder is a condition that affects the joint connecting your upper and lower jawbones.
Learn more about the most common symptoms of TMD and what it feels like to experience them here.
Learn more about the most common symptoms of TMD and what it feels like to experience them here.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint is what helps you move your jaw, which allows you to chew, speak, and yawn. When this joint becomes damaged or misaligned, it can result in TMJ disorder. TMJ disorders are usually caused by various factors, including misaligned teeth, arthritis, grinding or clenching your teeth (bruxism), jaw injuries such as whiplash, and even poor posture. It can be hard to identify the exact cause of TMJ disorder, as it may be a combination of these factors.What Does TMJ Pain Feel Like?
While symptoms vary from person to person, here are some signs you may be experiencing a TMJ disorder:-
Clicking and Popping
One of the most common symptoms of TMJ disorder is a clicking or popping sensation when you open and close your mouth; this can occur during eating or yawning. It’s often accompanied by a feeling of the jaw being out of alignment. Jaw Pain
TMD can cause pain in the jaw joint itself, which can range from mild to severe and may be felt on one or both sides of the face. This pain can be worsened by chewing, speaking, or jaw movement. TMJ disorder can also affect the alignment of your bite, so you may notice that your upper and lower teeth don’t fit properly or that your bite feels off.Facial Pain
TMJ pain can also radiate to other areas of the face, causing discomfort in front of the ears, around the temples, and even in the eyes. The pain may be sharp or dull and can vary in intensity.Headaches
Many people with TMJ disorder experience headaches, which can be localized to one side of the head or felt as a tension headache. These headaches can be persistent and may be accompanied by facial pain.Ear Pain
Sometimes, TMD is mistaken for ear pain because it can cause discomfort in or around the ear. This can include aching, pressure, or even a sensation of fullness in the ear.Neck and Shoulder Pain
TMJ disorder can also cause pain and tension in the neck and shoulders. This is often due to the muscles in these areas compensating for the misalignment of the jaw.Difficulty Opening or Closing the Mouth
Some individuals with TMD may experience difficulty when opening or closing their mouths. This can manifest as a feeling of the jaw being locked or stiff, making it hard to eat or speak.
How Do Dentists Treat TMJ Disorder?
If you’re experiencing TMJ pain, seeking professional dental care is crucial. A dentist or TMJ specialist can evaluate your condition and recommend the most suitable treatment options. Some treatment options for TMD include:- Oral appliances: Custom-made oral appliances, like mouthguards or splints, can help reposition the jaw and alleviate TMJ pain. This gear reduces clenching or grinding and promotes proper jaw alignment.
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, or other medications may be prescribed to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
- Physical therapy: Jaw exercises and physical therapy techniques can help strengthen the jaw muscles, improve jaw movement, and reduce pain.
- Stress management techniques: Stress and anxiety can add to TMJ pain. Learning relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, can help reduce stress and minimize symptoms.
- Dental procedures: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to fix bite alignment issues or address underlying dental problems.