Signs and Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

There are a multitude of symptoms that might lead a person to believe they are suffering from TMJ Disorder (Temporamandibular Joint Disorder).

Discomfort in the neck, head, jaw or ear can result if you are clenching or grinding your teeth (usually subconsciously during sleep).  Additionally, dental decay, gum disease, ear infection, sinus infection, allergies or anything that impacts those muscles above the neck can result in multiple possibilities that could lead to TMJ Disorder.

An actual diagnosis of TMJ Disorder will follow testing to rule out other problems. Patients suffering from it are dealing with inflammation of the muscles and joints just in front of the ears. The TMJ is the joint that allows the jaw to move up and down as well as side to side. Eating, speaking, smiling, laughing, crying, yawning … each of these actions can put a lot of pressure on those joints.

With TMJ, patients …

TMJ Disorder: Will it get worse with stress?

Stress is a common ailment that affects many people. Whether a person has a hectic lifestyle, a high-powered job, or even stays at home watching after the family, stress can strike anytime and anywhere, and often manifests in several ways. One such manifestation of stress is an unconscious clenching and grinding of teeth, a condition known as bruxism, which can lead to, or exacerbate existing temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ.

The temporomandibular joint is situated between a person’s lower jaw, also called the mandible, and the skull’s temporal bone, which is situated at the sides and base of the skull, and supports the temple. It is the joint that controls and allows the mouth to open and close, much like the hinges of a door.

Many of the facial nerves also pass through this area of the skull, carrying impulses back and forth to the brain. If the temporomandibular …

When is your pain in the neck more than just a “pain in the neck”?

A spontaneous, occasional, or short-lived pain in the head, neck, and shoulders is not typically cause for alarm. Each day, many of us spend hours leaning over to peer into computers, gaming devices, and mobile phones. This uncomfortable posture can cause random muscle soreness or pain.

Even occasional clenching and grinding of the teeth, known as bruxism, can cause temporary discomfort to the head and neck. During periods of intense stress, both physical and emotional, a large number of children and adults may experience short periods of bruxism.

Unfortunately, some patients experience annoying headaches and neck pain on a daily basis or for extended periods of time. For these patients, an evaluation of the TMJ in San Antonio may be helpful. Pain upon waking in the morning or throughout the day can be a sign of chronic bruxism. Random, non-specific sensitivity to chewing pressure, temperature, or sweets may also indicate …

What is TMJ and how is it treated?

Temproromandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, is a common complaint among San Antonio patients. That’s not surprising, considering that 35 million Americans suffer from TMJ disorders, according to the TMJ Association. Women, particularly those in their childbearing years, tend to have TMJ problems more often than men.

TMJ is actually a collection of conditions that can cause pain in the jaw, which is comprised of complex joints and tissues. Because the joints are such complicated structures, any number of problems can arise within the joints and lead to TMJ pain. Many factors can influence TMJ, including genetic predispositions and arthritis.

A person who has TMJ may experience pain when doing something as simple as chewing or speaking. TMJ can also lead to headaches and even ear pain in some cases. Some TMJ patients experience clicking in the jaw and have limited movement in the joint, along with the pain.

In …