TMJ is a condition affecting the cartilage around the jaw and skull joint, causing various symptoms such as pain, clicking, and difficulty opening and closing the jaw. Stress is a common cause, and treatment options include stress reduction, medication, and surgery.
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is a condition that affects the cartilage around the temporomandibular joint, the joint between the jaw and the skull. A number of symptoms are associated with TMJ and these symptoms can vary depending on the patient and the severity of the problem. Someone experiencing many of these symptoms should probably see a doctor to determine whether or not TMJ is the cause.
This joint is extremely important because it connects the skull with the jaw, a moving part that allows people to eat, drink and talk. TMJ appears to be caused in a number of ways, with stress being the main cause, because stress causes people to hold tension in their jaws and faces. One of the most common symptoms of TMJ is the popping or clicking of the jaw, which may be audible to others besides the patient.
TMJ can cause pain all over the face, not just around the jaw. Working from the top down, TMJ symptoms can include headaches, forehead pain, and an extremely sensitive scalp. The condition can also cause eye pain, blurred vision, watery eyes, sensitivity to light, and a feeling of pressure behind the eyes. TMJ can also cause pain in the cheek, pain around the eyes, and pain around the neck. Some people with TMJ experience symptoms in their ears such as ringing, ringing, popping and pain.
One of the hallmarks of TMJ is difficulty opening and closing the jaw. Some patients experience locking episodes, where they are unable to move their jaws without the assistance of manual manipulation. The condition can also cause a dull, aching pain throughout the jaw, along with clenching and grinding of the teeth, especially at night or during times of stress.
There are several approaches to treating TMJ. Many doctors focus on stress reduction to get to the root cause of the condition, in hopes that the TMJ will resolve itself. Doctors may also prescribe massage, anti-inflammatory medications, and similar treatments to help resolve the pain, along with bite guards to prevent teeth grinding at night. In extreme cases, surgical correction may be required to treat inflammation of the joint, especially in the case of patients who leave their TMJ untreated for a long period of time.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
