Do you suffer from chronic pain in the jaw, face, and neck? If so, it is quite possible that you are experiencing temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). TMJ is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joints located on either side of your head. These joints allow for a movement like chewing or speaking. When these joints become strained due to excessive grinding or clenching of the teeth, it causes immense pain and discomfort.
In this article, we will discuss what does TMJ pain feel like and how treatment can help alleviate symptoms. By understanding more about this condition and its associated treatments, you can find relief from the pain and discomfort you are experiencing.
TMJ disorder is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. This disorder can cause immense pain and discomfort, making it difficult to go about your daily activities. Many people experience jaw, face, and neck pain when dealing with TMJ, but symptoms vary greatly from person to person. It’s important to understand what TMJ feels like so you can find relief as soon as possible.
Types of Pain:
When dealing with TMJ, there are several different types of pain that one may experience. These include:
- Jaw Clicking or Popping: This type of pain comes from the temporomandibular joint misaligning or overworking. It can cause a clicking sound when the joint opens and closes.
- Headaches: TMJ headaches occur due to inflammation of the joint causing tension in the muscles surrounding it. This can result in severe headaches that may be localized or all-over head pain.
- Neck Pain: When dealing with TMJ, neck pain is also common. The stiff muscles in the neck associated with this disorder can cause immense discomfort, especially when moving your head from side to side or up and down.
Jaw Clicking or Popping:
- Causes: Jaw clicking or popping can be caused by things such as excessive grinding of the teeth, stress, or poor posture.
- Symptoms: You may experience a clicking or popping sound when you open and close your mouth, as well as pain in the jaw joint when chewing, speaking, or yawning.
- Treatment: Jaw clicking can be treated with physical therapy, splints, and muscle relaxers. In extreme cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Headaches:
- Causes: TMJ headaches are caused by inflammation of the temporomandibular joint resulting in tension in the surrounding muscles. Stress and anxiety can also play a role in causing TMJ headaches.
- Symptoms: Headaches associated with TMJ disorder may involve localized pain around the temples or all-over head pain that is constant and dull.
- Treatments: TMJ headaches can be treated with physical therapy, muscle relaxers, lifestyle changes such as stress management techniques, or surgery in extreme cases.
Neck Pain:
- Causes: Neck pain is often a result of strained muscles around the temporomandibular joint that become stiff and sore due to excessive grinding or clenching of the teeth. It may also be caused by poor posture when sitting for long periods of time.
- Symptoms: Neck pain associated with TMJ disorder is usually felt when moving the head from side to side or up and down. It can range from mild discomfort to severe pain.
- Treatment: Neck pain treatment depends on its severity but may include physical therapy, muscle relaxers, or lifestyle changes such as posture correction. In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary.
Conclusion
TMJ disorder can cause immense pain and discomfort making it difficult to go about your daily activities. It is important to understand what TMJ feels like so you can get the treatment you need to find relief from the associated pain and discomfort. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact a doctor or dentist near you for proper diagnosis and treatment options.
3 FAQs:
Q: What does TMJ Pain feel like?
A: TMJ pain can vary greatly from person to person but generally includes jaw clicking or popping, headaches localized around the temples or all-over head pain, and neck pain when moving your head from side to side or up and down.
Q: What are the causes of TMJ Pain?
A: TMJ pain can be caused by excessive grinding of the teeth, stress, poor posture, or tension in the muscles surrounding the temporomandibular joint.
Q: How is TMJ treated?
A: Treatment for TMJ disorder depends on its severity but may include physical therapy, muscle relaxers, lifestyle changes such as stress management techniques or posture correction, or surgery in extreme cases.
