4 Symptoms of TMJ Disorder That May Surprise You

Common symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders such as jaw pain and clenching are very well known. However, did you know that you can experience the symptoms of TMJ throughout your body? Here are five surprising possible symptoms of TMJ and how our Calgary holistic dentists can help ease any discomfort you may be experiencing.

Any pain in your jaw or face can be excruciating and frustrating to deal with — and it can be even worse if you don’t know what the cause of your discomfort is. For many people, facial pain may be related to the temporomandibular joint. 

This hinge-like joint connects your upper and lower jawbones and any time the joint doesn’t work properly, it could cause symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. 

Some of the causes of TMJ include: 

• Grinding or clenching your teeth 
•  A serious jaw injury 
• Stress or anxiety that causes you to tighten your jaw muscles
• Disc erosion in the jaw
• Arthritis damage to the joint cartilage 
• Poor posture 

Customized TMJ Treatment at Our Calgary Dental Clinic 

Do you suffer from jaw pain or other symptoms of TMJ? At Dr. Korol Dental clinic, our holistic dentists are able to provide comprehensive dental exams to examine your condition and provide a number of TMJ treatments, including custom mouthguards and Xeomin therapy to eliminate your discomfort and improve the function of your jaw. 

Want to know more? 

CONTACT OUR CALGARY DENTAL CLINIC 

5 Surprising Possible Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

It may come as a surprise to many people, but TMJ disorders are very complex problems that can have widespread effects on other areas of your body. Here are five surprising possible symptoms of TMJ disorder that you should know about:  

1. Pinched nerves.
When your TMJ alignment is skewed, your muscles have to overwork to compensate for this imbalance. The back is prone to TMJ related pain as it becomes strained to maintain your body’s balance. This tension may lead to numbness in your extremities. If you’re feeling any tingling sensation in your arms, fingers, feet, or toes, it could be a sign of TMJ disorder.

2. Earaches, clogged ears, or tinnitus.
Since the TMJ is located very close to the ears, any stress or damage to the ligaments and cartilage surrounding the joint can lead to ear-related symptoms such as ear pain, clogged ears, or tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

3. Dizziness.
Vertigo occurs when the vestibular system — which is essential to movement and equilibrium — is disrupted. One of the primary components of this system is called the labyrinth, which is located in the inner ear, near the temporal bone that attaches the jaw joint to the skull. When muscles around the jaw become inflamed, it may affect the labyrinth, causing dizziness or vertigo.

4. Obstructed airways.
Your tongue is attached to your lower jaw, so its position in the mouth depends on your jaw alignment. Any misalignment could cause your tongue to sit too far back in the mouth and obstruct your airways. If your breathing feels abnormal, especially while you are sleeping, TMJ disorder could be the culprit.

5. Neck, shoulder, and back pain.
The jaw muscles interact with the neck muscles to hold your spine in alignment. When these muscles are overworked or tired, it can cause pain to radiate through your head and torso, causing numbness in your neck, shoulders, or even back.

Is It Time for TMJ Treatment in Calgary? 

The above symptoms aren’t always caused by TMJ issues — there may be other reasons why you suffer from back/shoulder/neck pain or dizziness. But if you are experiencing any of the symptoms along with jaw pain or clicking, it's wise to ask your dentist to check for TMJ disorders. 

If it is determined that a TMJ disorder is causing your symptoms, our team of friendly and professional holistic dentists can recommend a treatment option based on your unique needs. 

To find out more, contact our Calgary dental clinic at 403-245-9099 or fill in our online contact form.