TMJ/TMD -Signs and Symptoms
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ/TMD) is a broad term that encompasses problems within the jaw joints as well as the muscles that surround and support the jaw.
“TMJ” is not a diagnosis. It simply means “Temporomandibular Joint”.
Problems originating WITHIN the joint typically manifest as:
- Clicking/Popping in the Jaw Joints
- Snapping or Crackling in the Jaw Joints
- Episodes of the Jaw Locking or Catching
Problems originating OUTSIDE the joint typically manifest as:
- Headaches
- Ear-related symptoms: ear pain, stuffy ears, vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss
- Neck Pain
- Jaw Pain
- Tooth Pain
- Numbness or Tingling in Face or Fingertips
- Gum Pain
- Muscle Twitching
- Facial Pain
Because the signs and symptoms of TMD are so vast and varied, it is often called “the Great Imposter Disease” and can be difficult to diagnose. Many individuals have been on quite a journey before they get to our office! They’ve seen dentists, oral surgeons, ENTs, root canal specialists, neurologists, and more!
Many patients come to our office with noises inside the jaw joints, episodes of locking, and pain. Some present with only joint noises and locking, while others only have pain. Every combination of the signs and symptoms listed above is possible, and more.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder—A Diagnostic Challenge for Many
Diagnosis and treatment of TMJ/TMD is not commonly taught in medical or dental schools. This is why many individuals end up on a long and arduous journey when looking for pain relief!
Diagnosing Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ/TMD) can be difficult for many healthcare practitioners because of its wide range of symptoms and because most medical professionals lack sufficient training and education on this condition. It can also be challenging to diagnose because two separate individuals suffering from TMJ/TMD may have an entirely different set of symptoms!
Where does TMJ Disorder cause pain?
Pain and TMJ/TMD often go hand in hand because of the nature of the condition. TMJ/TMD affects nerves, muscles, and soft tissue resulting in inflammation, reduced blood flow, and ultimately – pain, tension and discomfort. The trigeminal nerve, a neural pathway that sends a significant amount of sensory information to the brain, runs adjacent to the jaw joints. In cases of TMJ disorder, the trigeminal nerve often becomes aggravated or compressed, sending pain signals to the head in the form of headaches, shoulder pain, neck pain, jaw pain, tooth pain, gum pain, ear pain, stuffy ears, tinnitus, pain or tingling sensations in the face or extremities such as the arms, hands, or fingers, and more.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is also known for causing chronic, painful headaches. Because of their frequency and severity, these headaches often get misidentified as migraines. If you have headaches caused by TMJ/TMD, even the most powerful migraine remedies will do nothing to manage how severe they are or how often they happen.
TMJ Treatment Near Me
It takes special training to diagnose and provide proper treatment for TMJ Disorder and as a TMJ Dentist, Dr. Mistry celebrates a 90% success rate with her valued patients. Dr. Mistry’s treatment involves TMJ orthotics, craniofacial therapy, and more. All of her treatments and therapies are non-surgical.
Do you still have questions about TMJ Disorder? To learn more about effective treatment for your TMJ/TMD, call The TMJ Doc in Vancouver, Washington at (503) 255-8293 to schedule a consultation and find relief for TMJ disorder today.