Do you ever experience tightness or tension in your jaw when you wake up? Do you ever suffer from mild irritation or extreme pain in your jaw? Do you have similar pain or discomfort in your throat or in your neck? If so, you could be suffering from TMJ disorder, which is often referred to as temporomandibular joint disorder.
As you may have guessed, TMJ can affect more than your neck and your jaw. In fact, if you have TMJ disorder, you could experience common headaches and even migraines. You’ll usually experience these headaches because TMJ makes it difficult for you to chew correctly. This places pressure in the wrong areas, resulting in these issues.
People with TMJ may also experience odd sounds when they chew, or when they open or shut their mouth. This is one of the most common symptoms of TMJ. If your TMJ isn’t addressed, the sounds you hear could get louder and more persistent. These sounds could even become painful in time. Ear and facial pain can also stem from TMJ disorder. If this pain becomes too intense, it can actually cause your muscles to lock in place.
If you’re interested in learning more about TMJ disorder, please don’t hesitate to give Prosthodontics of the Carolinas a call at 704-364-3770. Dr. Ralph Hoffmann and our team will be glad to inspect your mouth and help you decide on your next steps. We’ll also be happy to address any concerns you may have. We look forward to receiving your call soon.