What are Some of the Symptoms of TMJ?

Dr. Dassenko –Sept 2009

When people talk about TMJ symptoms or problems they are referring to issues related to the working of the hinge in the jaw – which is called the Temporo Mandibular Joint (TMJ). When this hinge that is made of bones and held in place thanks to the tension provided by cartilage and muscle and other connective tissues gets out of whack, it can cause discomfort. The discomfort may range from mild to extreme pain, and the symptoms may run the gamut from a clicking sensation to the complete lack of ability to properly use the jaw and bite down or hold the bones of the jaw and the rows of teeth in a proper natural alignment.

As we learned as little children in the song “the knee bone is connected to the thigh bone” all parts of the body are interdependently related. So if your jaw hinge is out of synch, that can lead to symptomatic issues elsewhere. Many people who experience problems with the TMJ also feel muscular pains that might crop up in the neck, in the shoulders, or even in the back. They might get headaches because of a painful seizing up of those groups of muscles that are supposed to hold the jaw assembly in place and are fighting to get it back into its right position. By doing so the muscles clench and grab, often cramping up and creating knots that can be painful and tiring. With one bunch of muscles knotted up tight, the muscles connected to that tight or muscle-spasm-plagued part of the body will also lock up or tighten, in what is referred to as a sympathetic reaction. In worst case scenarios what starts off as a seemingly minor TMJ problem can radiate from one muscle or group of tendons and muscles to others, and as it spreads the symptoms become more and more painful and debilitating.

When TMJ trouble persists, one of the most uncomfortable symptoms is migraines. Along with these exceptionally bad headaches one might also experience sleeplessness, nausea, and an aversion to bright lights. The recommendation is that those who even suspect that they have a TMJ issue surfacing should seek immediate help. If your jaw locks up sometimes, if it makes an audible clicking noise when you chew – the kind of noise that you might hear if you pop your knuckles, for instance – or if you feel the muscles of the jaw getting stiff, sore, and tight, then you should make an appointment to have the situation evaluated by a qualified and trained professional like a dentist, oral surgeon, or cranio-facial pain expert.

Generally speaking, those who are plagued by TMJ problems are best treated by a dentist, who will be able to diagnose the problem and then take steps to remedy the situation. If the problem is related to tooth alignment the dentist can adjust the biting surfaces of the teeth, recommend orthodontic treatment, or construct a splint or mouth appliance to correct the relationship of the jaws so as to minimize the discrepancies that can trigger muscle spasms. The dentist may refer the patient to a qualified physical therapist or chiropractor to help loosen the muscles and correct posture issues. In some cases an appliance called an N.T.I. may be recommended to help the patient avoid clenching. In other cases muscle relaxants or even muscle inhibitors may be used to stop over-active muscles from causing further damage. There are many different approaches to TMJ symptoms and only a trained professional can sort out which is the best solution for your particular joint problem.