TMJ disorder can greatly affect your daily life. Common symptoms such as jaw pain and teeth grinding can make it difficult to talk, chew, and even sleep properly. However, there are other symptoms of TMJ disorder that commonly go unnoticed. In many cases, these symptoms can actually lead to a misdiagnosis of other health conditions. Knowing how to recognize these additional symptoms of TMJ disorder can help you get an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
The Connection Between TMJ and Your Body
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a hinge joint that connects your jaw to your skull. This crucial part of your mouth helps facilitate normal jaw movement. However, the joint can become damaged or inflamed due to injury and stress. When this happens, it can create a whole host of problems. While the most common signs tend to be centered around the jaw, issues can arise elsewhere in your body.
Ear Problems
Because of the location of the joint, ear pain can occur with TMJ disorders. In some cases, ear pain may not be accompanied by jaw pain or difficulty opening the mouth. This can lead many people to assume that the problem is within the ear itself. TMJ disorder can also cause a feeling of an ear being clogged and can also lead to a ringing in the ear. If you have chronic ear problems that don’t seem to clear up with ENT treatment, you may need to see a dentist for TMJ disorder.
Head and Neck Pain
Headaches and migraines are tricky symptoms as they can be caused by a wide range of medical problems. Dental issues such as a tooth infection and TMJ disorder can lead to intense headaches. When the TMJ becomes stressed or inflamed, it can create a great deal of pressure on your skull. This often creates a dull pain in your head or neck. While taking pain medication can often relieve the pain, the root cause still remains an issue. If you have chronic head or neck pain, TMJ disorder could be the culprit.
Sleep Troubles
People who suffer from TMJ disorder often also have difficulty sleeping. Stress on the joint can lead to clenching and grinding of the teeth, which, unfortunately, often exacerbates TMJ disorder. Teeth grinding at night can disrupt your sleep. In some cases, this can cause a misdiagnosis of other sleep disorders. While many patients may also have sleep apnea, it’s possible that treating TMJ disorder could improve your sleep quality without the need for a CPAP machine.
Treatment Options for TMJ Disorder
At Henrich Dental, we provide a range of services to help treat and manage the symptoms of TMJ disorder, including PRF therapy. If you suffer from chronic pain or discomfort in your jaw, ears, or head and neck, TMJ disorder could be the culprit. Call us today at (918) 553-5907 to schedule a consultation and learn more about TMJ disorder.