People often attribute the signs of TMJ (Temporomandibular joint disorder) to sinus issues, earaches or migraines. The inability to ameliorate their symptoms leads them to believe that it is something that they will have to live with. While not every ache and pain in this area can be attributed to TMJ, it can be useful to understand the most common signs of the disorder so you can seek treatment before the symptoms worsen.
TMJ is a persistent and painful problem that afflicts millions of Americans. The temporomandibular joint is located underneath your ears, where your jaw connects with your skull. This joint is necessary for many activities that involve your mouth, including eating, talking, laughing and yawning. TMJ disorder refers to the pain and discomfort that can occur when this joint stops working properly.
Here are five signs of TMJ:
1. Pain in the head, face and/or jaw is the most common symptom of TMJ. Oftentimes, this is mistaken for migraines or sinus headaches. You may have reoccurring scalp pain, facial tenderness or pain and swelling of the jaw itself that can radiate into the neck, shoulders, back or arms.
2. Pain or ringing in the ears that can lead to loss of hearing. Due to the close proximity of the temporomandibular joint to the ears, TMJ symptoms can easily affect this area as well. Symptoms include earaches, tinnitus and diminished hearing. These signs may also indicate an ear infection, but if TMJ is to blame, no infection will be detected. Dizziness or a recurring feeling of vertigo may also point to TMJ, since the symptoms can be quite similar to those of an inner ear disorder.
3. Unusual noises when opening or closing the mouth. If you or others around you have noticed a clicking, popping or grinding sound when you open or close your mouth, this could indicate TMJ. Such noises are perhaps the second most obvious indicator of TMJ, after pain. These sounds may occur on their own, or they may accompany other symptoms such as an inability to open the jaw evenly or completely, uncontrollable jaw movements or a jaw that deviates to one side when opened.
4. Eye pain and vision problems. Eyes may ache, water or feel sensitive to light, and vision may become blurry as a result of TMJ disorder. Additionally, inexplicably bloodshot eyes or a feeling of pressure behind the eyes may also be a sign of TMJ when taken in conjunction with other, more typical symptoms.
5. Problems in the teeth and gums. Given that TMJ disorder is an issue with the jaw, it is not surprising that symptoms may move into the mouth as well. Sensitive or generally achy teeth, a sudden tendency to grind the teeth or clench the jaw, and other tooth problems that seem to have no specific dental affliction as their source could all point to TMJ. Additionally, difficulty swallowing is another possible indicatory of TMJ disorder.
