Many people have heard about TMJ before, but what exactly is it? The true name of the disorder is Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction, or TMJ Dysfunction; but, it is often shortened simply to “TMJ.” Most people associate the Temporomandibular Joint with any jaw disorders, but it can be quite hard to self-diagnose. Luckily, there are plenty of doctors, dentists, and even TMJ specialists who can advise you as to whether your jaw pain is related to Temporomandibular Joint dysfunction, and why it is occurring. TMJ dysfunction often occurs because the joint itself is not operating properly. The temporomandibular joint is made up of bones covered by cartilage; the bones are separated by a small disk that is meant to absorb shock and keep the movement between the bones smooth. The functions of the jaw are made possible by this joint, and its combination of sliding and hinge-like motions. Dysfunction can occur most commonly when the disk moves or erodes, or if the cartilage is damaged in any way.
1. Ear Pain
It may seem surprising to think that TMJ Dysfunction causes ear pain; however, the ear canal is closely related to, and affected by, the jaw area. Particularly when TMJ Dysfunction is caused by jaw overuse, such as teeth grinding, spasms can occur which have a great effect on the ear canal. Any type of jaw damage, whether it stems internally or is from an injury, can create stress and pressure on the surrounding jaw muscles and joints. In turn, the pressure will form tenderness or pain that will emit pain towards the ear area.
People experience pain in the ear caused by Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction in many different ways. It can vary from person to person, but a single person may also describe different types of pain. It can vary from dull and ongoing, to sharp and intense, or even anywhere in between. The pain will definitely feel as though it is coming from the ear, but it is often felt in or around it, sometimes even on the face area between the ear and jaw. Most notably, ear pain is often simultaneous with a noticeable clicking sound. While ear pain is common for TMJ disorders, there are other symptoms that typically go along with it before knowing for certain that it is caused by the joint dysfunction.
2. Headache
Those suffering from TMJ dysfunction commonly report different types of headaches. These are essentially associated with TMJ pain in the same way ears are; the stress from pain in the jaw radiates to other parts of the head, seemingly coming from nowhere. It is most common for them to feel like tension headaches; although, they will not respond to tension ache medicine. In fact, many doctors mistake TMJ dysfunction for a tension headache as they present themselves vary similarly. TMJ Dysfunction related headaches and tension aches are similar in that they are often attributed to physical problems. In this case, the “tension” is caused by a joint that is not working properly, allowing the stress to create a radiating pain.
3. Jaw Pain
As you may have guessed by now, the Temporomandibular Joint not only plays a crucial part in the operation of the jaw, but also has a massive effect on surrounding parts of the head. The joint may be small and located near the end of the jaw, but when TMJ Dysfunction occurs, pain can be felt throughout the entire jaw. It is not uncommon for the jaw to have pain that is searing, dull, or both; and, many people also experience difficulty opening their mouth or chewing because of the intense pain. Pain of the jaw is one of the more serious signs of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction.
4. Jaw Locking
Jaw locking tends to go hand-in-hand with pain in the jaw, and is caused for similar reasons. If the disk in the joint becomes displaced, the jaw can automatically lock open or closed by being physically blocked, which will result in enormous pain. When this happens, it is not only painful but can also be quite terrifying. Many even experience a pain in the jaw that is simply limited movement rather than full-on locking. If this symptom occurs, it is very likely that the Temporomandibular Joint is behind it, and specialists often agree that some of the other symptoms without jaw locking and pain are likely not related to TMJ Dysfunction.
5. Muscle Spasms
While pain and aches can emanate from the jaw to the surrounding areas, such as the ear, neck, and temple; this pain may even be accompanied by small muscle spasms. These spasms are not often severe, but for some they are reoccurring and happen frequently because of TMJ Dysfunction. These facial spasms are often caused by Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction when jaw overuse is an issue, such as excessive gum chewing or grinding of the teeth, and the joints are overstretched. These create stress on the jaw and trigger the surrounding areas, even as far down as the shoulders in some cases.
6. Joint Tenderness
For those who experience pain from Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction, it can truly present itself in many different forms. Aside from the pain in ears, teeth, and surrounding areas, the Temporomandibular Joint itself can tend to feel very tender. Many people will notice this painful tenderness when chewing or speaking; others will notice the tenderness when pressing against the jawbone with their hand. It is usually experienced as a dull pain, spread around a large area between the chin and ear, which tends to be ongoing. It can be very uncomfortable and is normally exacerbated by any type of jaw movement, and it is a very common sign of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction.
7. Difficulty
Chewing Difficulty chewing will occur for many reasons, including those listed above. Those who experience jaw pain or tenderness will find that the pain is made worse when trying to eat. For Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction sufferers who experience spasms, this may happen more while chewing as well. Locking of the jaw can happen when chewing, creating difficulty as well as awkwardness while trying to chew. Furthermore, many people who suffer from Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction also note that chewing is physically difficult, almost like a chore, in that their jaw simply does not have the strength to perform this basic function normally.
8. Mouth Pain
Mouth pain caused by TMJ Dysfunction will most commonly present itself as dull and ongoing, like a tension ache in the mouth. It is one of the common signs of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction and, when experienced, it is likely connected to a jaw pain or pain in the teeth as well. Similar to head and ear pain caused by an improperly functioning Temporomandibular joint, the pain will emanate from the point of the problem. In the case of mouth pain, it is frequently noticed that the jaw being forced to function improperly can misalign the entire dental and mouth system, creating new points of pressure. The jaw often can have a clicking when moved if the joint is out of place, stressing the mouth and causing more pain.
9. Toothache
When the Temporomandibular joint is not operating properly, then the jawbone will not be either. Like a catalyst, TMJ disorder has the ability to throw off the entire operation of the jaw, the mouth, and then the teeth, creating different problems in its wake. This can create sharp and painful toothaches, along with dull and relentless ones. Many people experience these differently, through one or several teeth or a certain area. Those who have Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction will rarely experience a toothache alone, and it will likely be accompanied with jaw and mouth pain, jaw locking, or joint tenderness in the area surrounding the aching teeth.
