Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction
Symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD) can present themselves in many different ways.. Because the temporomandibular joints connect the jaw, face, head and neck, TMD symptoms can seem unrelated to the underlying joint issues. In fact, many of our patients had been living with TMD related symptoms for months and sometimes even years before discovering that their jaw joint was the source of their problem. Recognising the signs of TMJ dysfunction is generally the first step in the journey towards effective treatment.
Common TMJ Symptoms
The symptoms of TMJ dysfunction can vary in severity and may affect different areas of the head and face. Some of the more common symptoms you may experience can include one or more of following:
Jaw pain or tenderness
The pain may occur directly in front of the ear, along the jawline. Chewing or talking can also be a pain trigger with some patients noticing the pain gets worse later in the day.
Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth
For some TMJ dysfunction sufferers clicking or popping can happen when opening or closing the mouth. It can be more noticeable when chewing or yawning.
Changes in how the upper and lower teeth meet together
This is commonly referred to as a person's 'bite'. Proper alignment between top and bottom teeth and the symmetry in how they meet is critically important for smooth dental function and comfort.
Difficulty opening the mouth fully
Straining to open the mouth fully can make everyday activities such as eating or talking feel uncomfortable.
Jaw locking in open or closed positions
Some people experience episodes where the jaw temporarily locks open or closed or feels stuck during movement. This can happen when the disc inside the joint doesn't move fluidly with the jaw.
Headaches or pressure feeling around the temples
Because the muscles controlling the jaw extend across the sides of the head and face, TMJ dysfunction may cause symptoms that resemble tension headaches.
Ear pain (without infection)
The temporomandibular joint is situated in close proximity to the ear canal. This is the reason TMJ problems may produce ear-related symptoms. Some patients experience persistent ear pain or discomfort even though ear examinations don't show any abnormalities.
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Symptoms of tinnitus may include as ringing, buzzing, humming. Tinnitus is not always related to TMJ issues, but in some cases it can be a contributary factor.
Facial Tightness
Patients sometimes experience a feeling of tightness or achy sensation in their face later in the day. This can be the result of overactive jaw muscles that have had to work harder to compensate for the imbalance in the joint.
Discomfort in the neck or shoulder
The muscles involved in jaw movement are connected to neck and shoulder muscles of the neck. Because of this connection, TMJ dysfunction can sometimes contribute to:a stiffness in the neck, shoulder tension or a pain at the base of the skull. These type of symptoms often present themselves alongside jaw tension or even headaches.
Why TMJ Symptoms Often Get Overlooked
TMJ symptoms are often undiagnosed because they can be similar to many other conditions. Because of this, people often think they have an ear infection, sinus issues, migraine headache or even a neck strain. Because symptoms can appear in several areas at once, the connection to the jaw joint may not always be immediately obvious.
When Should You Seek Professional Advice?
It is highly recommended that you get an assessment for possible TMJ dysfunction if you experience any of the following:
- Consistent jaw pain or discomfort
- Regular headaches caused by tension in your jaw
- Clicking or popping in your jaw that becomes a source of pain
- Difficulty opening your mouth partially or fully
- Earache symptoms where there is no infection
- Occasional jaw locking episodes
The important thing to be aware of is that early assessment and treatment can help prevent symptoms from getting much worse.
Why Understanding the Cause Is Important
Symptoms on their own do not explain why TMJ dysfunction is happening. To understand more about the underlying factors, you may wish to read:
Take the First Step Towards Relief
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