The Common Indications of TMJ
TMJ is short for temporomandibular joint. The joint connects the lower and upper jaws. Put simply, it connects the jaw to the skull. There can be problems related to this jaw joint referred to as the temporomandibular joint syndrome or TMJ disorders. Because of regular use for chewing and talking, the TMJ can experience wear and tear just like any other mechanism and part of the body. Sometimes a strong blow to the jaw can result in TMJ too.
TMJ pain symptoms are either indirect or direct. The most common and early sign of TMJ is a clicking noise when the jaw is closed and opened. The clicking sound may be a popping or a snapping that could be loud enough; it can be heard by other people around. There may be pain that accompanies this clicking but with or without the pain, it signals that the TMJ has a displaced disc or that it is irritated or inflamed. The next symptom is locking of the jaw, meaning that the jaw gets stuck when it is opened or closed. A change in the bite of a person is another direct symptom for TMJ. Once again, as the TMJ becomes displaced, the teeth do not line up properly and the bite or the dental occlusion is not aligned.
Fixing the symptoms however is not usually the best bet and natural remedies such as TMJ No More attack the causes of the pain
TMJ symptoms which are considered inderstc include lack of sleep, sore facial muscles in the morning, neck and shoulder pain, sore teeth, hearing issues, dizziness, headaches, and sinus problems. In order to differentiate a TMJ headache from any other headache, these kinds of headaches are usually located in the temples, back of the head and shoulders. The displaced disc in the TMJ causes pain that usually centralizes itself in these areas. Dizziness is a symptom of TMJ because if the TMJ is inflamed it affects the inner ear which is the area that gives people a sense of balance. TMJ can also cause light sensitivity because it produces pain behind the eye. In addition, blurred vision or a twitchy eye are also known as signs of TMJ problems.
Because the TM joint is located near the ears, anything problem with the TMJ affects the ears. An extreme case can sometimes result in loss of hearing but more commonly it will be ringing in the ears. If there is no congestion in the nose but stuffiness is felt, it can also be a symptom of TMJ. If someone is clenching or grinding their teeth during the night neck pain and tender facial muscles can result. All are a result of teeth grinding and clenching during the night. Lack of sleep and ongoing pain may result in depression for TMJ sufferers.
Surgery isn’t always the best option for TMJ sufferers and books like TMJ No More are often better solutions to the underlying problem.
