Understanding TMJ Pain
Temporomandibular joint or “TMJ” pain is a direct result of a medical condition that is referred to as Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome. The Temporomandibular Joint is considered to be the “hinge” joint that works to connect the jaw bone of the lower extremity, or the “mandible” to the area of the skull that the temporal bone is located. This particular bone is in the area that is to the front of the ear. It is on both sides of the head.
In normal instances, the joint is set to smoothly allow the jaw to move freely when necessary. This movement generally involves movement that is side to side, as well as up and down. Muscles in this area allow the ease of transition for this body function. Here, you will gain an understanding of potential TMJ pain that may occur during this process.
Symptoms of TMJ Pain
If you experience any Temporomandibular Disorder, or TMJ pain, there are a number of symptoms that may become present. TMJ symptoms may include any and/or all of the following:
- Half or more of all individuals who suffer from TMJ pain also experience pain in the area of the ears. This pain is generally localized to the area around the front of the ear. Many individuals also notice pain in the area that is just below the ear. The main difference between ear pain associated with TMJ pain and that of an infection is that the pain is generally not accompanied with drainage, loss of hearing ability, and similar signs that are common when it comes to infections of the ear.
- It is believed that at least 80% or more of patients who suffer from TMJ pain also suffer from headaches. The headache that is associated with TMJ syndrome often is more evident when it comes to using the TM joint. Individuals who are exposed to air that is cool or relatively cold may find that the pain that they experience is made worse by the muscles in the area experiencing contractions under these conditions.
- Nearly half of all sufferers of TMJ syndrome suffer from some type of pain in the area of the face. Many may describe this as a shooting pain, and other experience nothing more than a dull ache. It is believed that this is directly related to the muscles and the fact that they contract more rapidly when the mandible moves up and down, or side to side.
- In most cases of TMJ pain, it is relatively common for the sufferer to feel as if their jaw becomes locked. This may also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as clicking of the jaw, and even popping in the area. This may result in severe amounts of pressure, pain in which movement is restricted, and actual limitations in the overall mobility of the jaw when the muscles start to constrict and contract in the area.
- Nearly all sufferers of pain that is directly related to TMJ suffer from stiffness and general soreness in the jaw, neck, and facial area. In many cases, each type of pain is a direct result of unique situations. For example, one symptom may be caused by muscle contractions, while another symptom may be related to the pressure of the movement.
Conclusion
If you suffer from Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome, TMJ pain will be experienced. There are many unique symptoms associated with this pain. It is common to experience pain that affects the face, ears, and the jaw. Most individuals also suffer from headaches. Here, you have learned about the why of pain that is experienced, as well as the various types of TMJ pain that is common.
