What are the common causes of jaw pain. How can you differentiate between TMJ disorder and other conditions. When should you seek medical attention for jaw discomfort. What are the treatment options available for various types of jaw pain.

Understanding the Complexity of Jaw Pain

Jaw pain is a common complaint that can stem from various sources, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact cause. The intricate network of muscles, bones, and nerves in the jaw area means that pain can originate from multiple structures, including the teeth, jaw joints, or even seemingly unrelated parts of the body like the ears or sinuses.

Recognizing the underlying cause of jaw pain is crucial not only for alleviating discomfort but also for addressing potential serious health issues. Let’s explore the various aspects of jaw pain to help you better understand this complex condition.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder: A Leading Cause of Jaw Pain

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is one of the most prevalent causes of jaw pain. This condition affects the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull, often resulting in a range of uncomfortable symptoms.

Key Symptoms of TMJ Disorder:

• Jaw tenderness that may resemble a toothache
• Headaches or earaches
• Pain that intensifies while chewing
• Clicking or popping noises when eating
• Reduced jaw range of motion
• Neck stiffness and pain
• Shoulder pain that may radiate down the arm

What distinguishes TMJ disorder from other conditions? The combination of jaw pain, restricted movement, and audible sounds during jaw movement is often indicative of TMJ issues. However, a proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional is essential to rule out other potential causes.

Dental Issues and Their Impact on Jaw Health

Many jaw pain cases can be traced back to dental problems. Understanding these issues can help in early identification and treatment.

Bruxism: The Silent Culprit

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a common yet often unrecognized cause of jaw pain. Many individuals grind their teeth during sleep, unaware of this habit that can lead to significant discomfort.

What are the signs of bruxism?

• Jaw, face, and neck pain
• Frequent headaches
• Dental problems, including fractured and worn-down teeth
• Increased tooth sensitivity

How can you prevent bruxism-related jaw pain? Using a night guard, reducing stress, and practicing relaxation techniques before bed can help alleviate symptoms associated with teeth grinding.

Toothaches and Dental Infections

Dental issues like cavities, cracked teeth, or abscesses can manifest as jaw pain. The nature of the pain often provides clues about the underlying problem:

• A cracked tooth may cause intermittent, dull, or sharp jaw pain triggered by biting or eating
• A cavity might result in constant pain that worsens with hot or cold food
• Tooth abscesses can lead to severe, throbbing pain that radiates to the jaw

Why is prompt dental care crucial for jaw pain? Addressing dental issues early can prevent the spread of infection and alleviate jaw discomfort before it becomes chronic.

Infections Beyond the Mouth: Sinus and Ear Connections

Jaw pain doesn’t always originate in the mouth or jaw itself. Infections in nearby structures can refer pain to the jaw area, complicating diagnosis.

Sinus Infections and Jaw Discomfort

Sinusitis can cause pain that extends to the jaw. Symptoms of a sinus infection that may accompany jaw pain include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Toothache
• Cheek pain
• Nasal congestion

How can you differentiate sinus-related jaw pain from dental issues? Sinus-related pain often affects both sides of the face and may be accompanied by nasal symptoms, whereas dental pain is typically localized to one area.

Ear Infections and Referred Pain

Ear infections can cause pain that radiates to the jaw. Additional symptoms may include:

• Difficulty hearing
• Vertigo
• Nausea
• Ear drainage in some cases

Why does an ear infection cause jaw pain? The close proximity of the ear to the jaw joint and shared nerve pathways can result in referred pain, making it feel as though the discomfort originates in the jaw.

Trauma and Injury: Acute Causes of Jaw Pain

Physical trauma to the face or jaw can result in immediate and sometimes severe jaw pain. Understanding these injuries is crucial for proper treatment and recovery.

Types of Jaw Injuries

• Dislocated jaw: Occurs when the lower jaw becomes displaced from one or both joints
• Fractured jaw: A break in the jawbone, which can range from a small crack to a complete break
• Soft tissue injuries: Damage to muscles, ligaments, or tendons surrounding the jaw

What are the signs of a serious jaw injury? Symptoms may include severe pain, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, misalignment of teeth, and visible deformity. Immediate medical attention is crucial in these cases to prevent long-term complications.

Rare but Serious Causes of Jaw Pain

While less common, certain serious conditions can manifest as jaw pain. Being aware of these possibilities is important for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Heart Attack and Jaw Pain

Jaw pain can be a symptom of a heart attack, particularly in women. Other potential signs include:

• Chest discomfort or pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or vomiting
• Lightheadedness
• Cold sweats

Why is recognizing jaw pain as a potential heart attack symptom crucial? Prompt recognition and immediate medical attention can be life-saving in the event of a heart attack.

Autoimmune Conditions and Jaw Pain

Certain autoimmune disorders can affect the jaw, causing pain and dysfunction. These include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Sjögren’s syndrome
• Systemic lupus erythematosus

How do autoimmune conditions impact jaw health? These disorders can cause inflammation in the jaw joints, leading to symptoms that mimic TMJ disorder. A comprehensive medical evaluation is necessary for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Neurological Cause of Facial Pain

Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition characterized by severe, shooting pain along the trigeminal nerve. Symptoms include:

• Sharp, electric shock-like pain in the face and jaw
• Pain triggered by everyday activities like eating or talking
• Episodes of intense pain lasting from a few seconds to several minutes

What makes trigeminal neuralgia different from other causes of jaw pain? The intensity and brevity of pain episodes, along with specific triggers, are hallmarks of this condition. Neurological evaluation is crucial for diagnosis and management.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Jaw Pain

Given the wide range of potential causes, knowing when to consult a healthcare professional about jaw pain is essential.

Red Flags That Warrant Immediate Medical Attention:

• Severe, persistent pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain relievers
• Inability to open or close your mouth fully
• Visible swelling or deformity of the jaw
• Fever accompanying jaw pain
• Jaw pain accompanied by chest pain or shortness of breath
• Sudden onset of severe pain following an injury

Why is timely medical evaluation important for jaw pain? Early diagnosis can lead to more effective treatment, prevent complications, and rule out serious underlying conditions.

Diagnostic Approaches for Jaw Pain

Healthcare providers may use various methods to diagnose the cause of jaw pain:

• Physical examination of the jaw, teeth, and surrounding structures
• Imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI
• Dental evaluations to rule out tooth-related issues
• Blood tests to check for signs of infection or autoimmune conditions

How do these diagnostic tools help in determining the cause of jaw pain? Each method provides specific information about the structures and functions of the jaw, helping healthcare providers pinpoint the source of discomfort and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Jaw Pain

The treatment of jaw pain varies depending on the underlying cause. A comprehensive approach often yields the best results.

Conservative Treatment Approaches

• Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications
• Application of heat or cold packs to the affected area
• Soft diet to reduce stress on the jaw
• Jaw exercises and stretches to improve mobility and reduce pain
• Stress reduction techniques, such as meditation or yoga

Why are conservative treatments often the first line of defense against jaw pain? These methods are non-invasive, have few side effects, and can be effective for many cases of jaw discomfort, particularly those related to TMJ disorders or minor dental issues.

Dental Interventions

For jaw pain related to dental issues, treatments may include:

• Filling cavities or repairing cracked teeth
• Root canal therapy for infected teeth
• Extraction of severely damaged or impacted teeth
• Custom-fitted night guards for bruxism

How do dental treatments address jaw pain? By resolving the underlying dental problem, these interventions can alleviate referred pain to the jaw and prevent further complications.

Medical Treatments for Specific Conditions

Certain causes of jaw pain may require specialized medical interventions:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections (e.g., sinusitis or dental abscesses)
• Medications for neurological conditions like trigeminal neuralgia
• Immunosuppressants or other targeted therapies for autoimmune disorders
• Botox injections for severe cases of TMJ disorder or bruxism

Why is a tailored treatment approach important for jaw pain? The diverse causes of jaw pain necessitate individualized treatment plans to effectively address the specific underlying condition and provide lasting relief.

Surgical Interventions

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to address severe or persistent jaw pain:

• Arthroscopy or open joint surgery for TMJ disorders
• Jaw reconstruction following traumatic injuries
• Microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia

When is surgery considered for jaw pain? Surgical options are typically reserved for cases that haven’t responded to conservative treatments or when there’s significant structural damage that requires repair.

Understanding the multifaceted nature of jaw pain is crucial for effective management and treatment. By recognizing the various causes, symptoms, and treatment options, individuals can work with healthcare providers to develop comprehensive strategies for alleviating discomfort and addressing underlying issues. Remember, persistent or severe jaw pain should always be evaluated by a medical professional to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Jaw Pain Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Finding out what causes jaw pain can be difficult, mostly because there are numerous sources from which the pain can originate, such as muscles, bones in the jaw, teeth, or areas of the body you do not necessarily suspect, like your ears, sinuses, or even your heart.

Pain is your body’s way of signaling that something is wrong—you’re grinding your teeth, you have an infection, or you have a joint disorder, for example—so getting to the bottom of your jaw pain is important, not only for your comfort but also to fix the underlying problem, which can be serious.

Verywell / Alexandra Gordon

Common Causes

The most common causes of jaw pain are dental issues and disorders that affect your temporomandibular joint, the joint that connects your lower jaw bone to your skull.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder

The most common presenting signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder include jaw tenderness that may feel like a toothache, as well as headache or an earache. The pain may get worse when chewing food and a person may hear and/or feel a clicking or popping noise when eating, as well as an overall decreased jaw range of motion. In addition, this condition may be associated with neck stiffness and pain, and shoulder pain that radiates down the arm.

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Teeth grinding can cause jaw pain and, since many people do this while sleeping, you may not be aware that you are, too.

Symptoms of bruxism include jaw, face, and neck pain; headaches; and dental problems, including fractured and worn-down teeth.

Besides teeth grinding, other muscle overuse conditions, like teeth clenching and excessive gum chewing, can also cause jaw pain.

Toothaches

There are multiple dental problems associated with jaw pain. For example, a cracked tooth may cause intermittent, dull or sharp jaw pain that is triggered by biting or eating. A cavity may cause constant pain that is worsened by hot or cold food. Other dental problems like tooth abscesses and dry sockets may also cause jaw pain.

Infection

An infection within the head and neck area, specifically a sinus or ear infection, may cause jaw pain. Besides jaw pain, other symptoms of sinusitis may include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Toothache
• Cheek pain
• Nasal congestion

Likewise, besides jaw pain, other symptoms of an ear infection may include difficulty hearing, vertigo, nausea, and occasionally, ear drainage.

Trauma

Injuries to the jaw or face, including a dislocated or broken jaw, can cause significant pain.

Rare Causes

While jaw pain is classically linked to a TMJ problem, infection, or dental issue, there are other causes that a doctor needs to consider.

Heart Attack

Jaw pain may signal a heart attack, a potentially life-threatening condition that warrants immediate medical attention. Besides a crushing or heavy feeling in the center or left side of the chest that may move to the jaw, neck, or shoulder, other potential symptoms of a heart attack include difficulty breathing, sweating, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, and weakness.

If you or someone you’re with may be having a heart attack, go to the emergency room or call 911 immediately.

Autoimmune Conditions

Autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, and systemic lupus erythematosus may also cause jaw pain, specifically symptoms that mimic those of TMJ disorder.

Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a severely painful condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which helps you detect facial sensations and move your jaw. This condition causes one-sided attacks of sharp, electric-shock-like pain in the lips, eyes, nose, jaw, forehead, and scalp. The pain is generally triggered by eating, talking, or exposing your face to cold air.

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

Osteonecrosis occurs when the blood supply to a bone is disrupted and the bone begins to die. It can cause severe pain. Causes of osteonecrosis include excessive alcohol consumption, the use of corticosteroid medications, bisphosphonate medications, radiation therapy to the head and neck, and trauma.

Cancer

Certain types of cancer, like oral cancer, may cause jaw pain. With oral cancer, there may be other symptoms present, such as a persistent pain in the mouth, a sore in the mouth that doesn’t heal, trouble chewing or moving the jaw, swelling of the jaw, loosening of the teeth, and a lump or mass in the neck.

When to See a Doctor

It may surprise you that the above list of jaw pain causes is not exhaustive. This is why it’s important to seek out a proper diagnosis from a doctor or dentist.

While the majority of jaw pain is not related to medical emergencies like a heart attack, if your discomfort is severe and/or prolonged, or if your pain is associated with symptoms like trouble breathing, chest pain, sweating, or dizziness, be sure to seek immediate medical attention.

Diagnosis

In order to access the cause of your jaw pain, your doctor will first ask you several questions about your pain, like when it began, how severe it is, and whether the pain is intermittent or constant. They will also inquire about whether there has been any recent jaw trauma, as well as habits that may trigger jaw pain. The timing of the jaw pain, like whether it occurs in the morning upon awakening, can also help a doctor figure out the diagnosis.

Physical Exam

After a thorough history, your doctor will begin the physical examination, with a close look at your mouth, teeth, TMJ, neck, and shoulders.

Specifically, for suspected TMJ disorder, your doctor may measure the range of motion of your jaw opening. While a normal opening is 40 to 55 millimeters, people with TMJ often have a jaw opening that is less than 30 millimeters. Patients with TMJ may also have muscle tenderness around the TMJ, as well as joint crepitus (a crackling sensation) or a clicking sound when the jaw opens and closes.

Lastly, it’s common for a doctor to do a cranial nerve exam, in order to ensure that the pain you are experiencing is not related to an irritated or compressed nerve (for example, trigeminal neuralgia).

Labs and Tests

Bloodwork is not often needed to access jaw pain unless there is a concern for an autoimmune condition, at which point pertinent antibodies and inflammatory markers may be drawn.

In addition, if you are being ruled out for a heart attack in the emergency room, an electrocardiogram and blood tests (for example, cardiac enzymes) will be ordered.

Imaging

Depending on the findings from the history and physical examination, imaging tests may help provide additional insight or confirm a diagnosis. For certain causes of jaw pain, like TMJ disorder, a dental problem, or a fractured or dislocated jaw, a plain X-ray or panoramic X-ray is usually sufficient.

For more complex diagnoses, such as osteonecrosis of the jaw, or for the diagnosis of a sinus infection, a computed tomography (CT) scan may be ordered. Magnetic resonance imaging scans (MRIs) are often used to more thoroughly evaluate TMJ in people with chronic or severe pain. An MRI may also be used to evaluate the trigeminal nerve in trigeminal neuralgia.

Treatment

The treatment of jaw pain depends on its cause but may include therapies like taking a certain medication, employing self-care strategies, or undergoing surgery.

Medications and Self-Care

Specific medications are prescribed for certain diagnoses—for instance, an antibiotic will be prescribed for a sinus or ear infection, while the anticonvulsant Tegretol (carbamazepine) or Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) is used to treat trigeminal neuralgia.

For TMJ disorder, a combination of medications (for example, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and/or a muscle relaxant) and self-care therapies (for example, trigger avoidance and changing sleeping posture) is recommended.

If teeth grinding is the culprit behind your painful jaw, a mouthguard may be helpful. Mouth guards can either be purchased at a drugstore and molded to fit your teeth, or you can have one custom-made at your dentist’s office.

Surgery

Surgery is often one of the primary treatments for oral cancer, and surgical repair may be necessary for a jaw fracture.

A Word From Verywell

While getting to the bottom of your jaw pain may take a little patience and persistence on your end, especially if you find yourself going back and forth between your dentist and your primary care doctor, rest assured that once the source is found and a diagnosis is made, the vast majority of people can obtain relief.

What’s Causing My Headaches, Migraines and Jaw Pain?

If you often wake with a sore feeling in your jaw, it could be more serious than just sleeping funny. Experiencing facial pain, migraines, insomnia, vertigo, and popping or clicking in your jaw is not normal. Instead of readjusting, trying to sleep with your mouth closed, or sleeping in a different position, you might want to call your dentist!

Oftentimes, jaw pain is a direct result of TMJ (temporomandibular joint disease). Other than facial pain, TMJ can also cause ear pain, neck aches, and intense headaches or migraines. In order to treat your TMJ symptoms, you’ll have to visit a TMJ specialist. If you live in Fort Atkinson, your local dentists at BKS Dental know the best treatments for TMJ and are ready to help.

Facial Pain and the Jaw

You may be wondering, what does my facial pain have to do with my jaw? It’s a good question to have! The answer is a simple one: most pain and tension in your head is related to the muscles that surround the area. When your muscles are misaligned, you can experience more pain.

Migraines and headaches are actually the most common complaint we hear from our TMJ patients. The temporalis muscle connects your jaw to your temporal bone, and it is a known cause of temporal headaches. For example, people who grind their teeth often wake with these painful headaches.

Furthermore, facial and neck pain come from similar aches. When your jaw is misaligned, you overwork your muscles. By overworking your muscles, they become tense, clenching more often. This tension builds up in your face, jaw, and neck until you are sore and uncomfortable.

Treating TMJ

At BKS Dental, our dentists are experts on TMJ and they want to help you feel better. That’s why we opened Bite Align!

When you come into our office with facial pain, we will run a diagnosis to see if you have TMJ or not. This testing includes your patient history, a physical examination, and a consultation. In the consultation, you will talk to your dentist about your pain, medical and dental history, and past treatments. During the examination, your dentist will study how your teeth fit together, your jaw movements, joint sounds, as well as the alignment of your muscles around your head and neck.

When your dentist comes to a conclusion, we will discuss a proposed treatment plan with you. With x-rays, photos, models of teeth, and diagnostic computer tests, we will help you treat your TMJ and alleviate your pain.

Your TMJ Experts in Fort Atkinson, WI

Pain is your body’s way of telling you that you need to get help. If you are experiencing pain in your jaw, neck, or face, please see a dentist or a doctor. To schedule an appointment with your dentists at BKS Dental, call us at (920) 563-7323 or message us online.

Temporomandibular Disorder: An Underdiagnosed Cause of Headache, Sinus Pain, and Ear Pain – Letters to the Editor

Am Fam Physician. 2017 Feb 1;95(3):142.

to the editor: Headache, sinus pain, and ear pain are common chief complaints in the primary care setting. In 17 years of working in a community urgent care practice, I routinely encountered patients who reported a history of recurrent ear infections, sinus infections, or migraine headaches; yet, the history and physical examination did not correspond with the chronic recurrent diagnoses they reported. In many cases, examination of the jaw revealed they were most likely experiencing temporomandibular disorder (TMD).

TMD affects as many as 10% to 15% of adults (peak ages 20 to 40 years) and presents with symptoms that include facial pain, ear discomfort, headache, and jaw pain.1 Physical examination findings include tenderness over the temporomandibular joint, restricted jaw movement, and crepitus or clicking with opening the mandible.1,2 TMD is often comorbid with primary headache disorders and is found to be a contributing cause of “sinus headaches” in otolaryngology practice.3,4

In my experience, most patients feel much better with short-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; symptoms typically resolve within about two weeks. Some patients also may need muscle relaxants, anxiolytics, or referral to an oral surgeon for an occlusive splint.1

Of particular concern, many patients I saw over the years in community urgent care reported repeated treatment with antibiotics for presumptive ear and sinus infections. Some were skeptical of the new diagnosis and thought they did not need to take antibiotics. During the past year, I have worked in a university student health center where I have seen several undergraduate and graduate students with chronic recurrent headaches that, at least in part, could be attributed to TMD.

Physicians should consider TMD in the differential diagnosis when a patient presents with headache, sinus pain, or ear pain and no other diagnosis that readily explains the symptom. Accurately diagnosing TMD can not only lead to more appropriate treatment to relieve the patient’s pain but also reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder | Cedars-Sinai

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What is temporomandibular joint disorder?

The temporomandibular joint is actually two pairs of joints that make it possible for the jawbone to rotate and slide. This joint connects the lower jaw to the skull. The temporomandibular joints can be found on either side of the head in front of the ears. These joints allow us to talk, chew and yawn.

When one or more of these joints become inflamed or painful, the condition is called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD).

What causes temporomandibular joint disorder?

The lower jaw has rounded ends that glide in and out of the joint socket when you talk, chew or yawn. These are called the condyles. They are covered with cartilage and are separated by a small shock-absorbing disk, which keeps the movement smooth.

TMJD can occur from:

• Wear and tear on the cartilage.
• Damage to the surfaces of the teeth due to neglect or injury.
• Loose or lost teeth that have led to damage of the jawbone or poor alignment of the upper and lower jaws.
• Poor alignment of the teeth or jaw when biting down. This can cause sensitivity of the teeth as well as affecting the muscles and the temporomandibular joint.
• Overuse of the muscles of chewing. This may occur if a person chews gum continuously, bites fingernails or pencils, grinds the teeth, has a habit of clenching the jaw, biting the cheek or lip or thrusting the jaw out when speaking, exercising or other actions.
• Erosion or improper movement of the disk.
• Damage to the joint from a blow or other impact.
• Arthritis.
• Trigger points in the muscle tissue that cause myofascial pain syndrome.
• Infections deep in the jaw.
• Tumors.

Often, it isn’t clear what is causing the TMJ symptoms.

TMJ disorders most commonly occur in women between the ages of 30 and 50.

What are the symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder?

Symptoms of TMJD include:

• Pain, including tenderness in the jaw, aching pain in or around the ear, and aching facial pain. Pain may be present whether the temporomandibular joint is moving or not.
• Difficulty opening the mouth fully.
• Difficulty or discomfort while chewing.
• A clicking or popping sensation in the joint.
• Locking of the joint that makes it hard to open or close the mouth.
• Headache.
• Uncomfortable bite.
• An uneven bite because one or more teeth are making contact with each other before the other teeth do.

How is temporomandibular joint disorder diagnosed?

TMJD is diagnosed based on the patient’s symptoms. A doctor will take a medical history to learn how long you have had the symptoms, whether you have had a recent injury to the jaw or recent dental treatment.

The doctor will do a physical examination. This will include listening to and feeling your jaw when you open and close your mouth and checking to see what range of motion you have in the joint. The doctor will ask whether you have felt a clicking, popping or rough crackling sound when the lower jaw moves.

The doctor will press on areas of your jaw and face to locate the pain or discomfort. They may also ask about whether you are feeling stress and how you cope with such feelings. You will be asked about habits such as clenching your teeth, chewing gum, etc.

The doctor will check your bite. They will look for lost teeth, unusual placement of teeth, signs of chronic teeth grinding. It may be necessary to follow up with X-rays of the teeth.

In some cases, a computed tomography scan may be done to check the bones of the joint. A magnetic resonance imaging scan may be done to reveal problems with the disk in the joint.

How is temporomandibular joint disorder treated?

Treatment of TMJD varies, depending on what is causing the symptoms. Treatment may include:

• Arthocentisis, a procedure that flushes debris and the byproducts of inflammation out of the joint.
• Correcting poor habits such as grinding the teeth or chewing gum. Sometimes a device (a night guard) inserted in the mouth can help control grinding of the teeth.
• Corrective dental treatment.
• Drugs to relieve pain and reduce swelling and inflammation.
• Splints that reposition the jaw, ligaments and muscles into better alignment.
• Surgery to correct abnormalities of the jaw.
• Stress management such as meditation, deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation.
• Stretching or massaging the jaw muscles.
• Applying heat or cold to the muscles to relieve inflammation and pain.

Key points

• Temporomandibular joint disorder happens when there is inflammation or pain in the joints that make is possible for the jawbone to rotate and slide.
• The disorder can happen due to wear and tear on the cartilage, arthritis, injuries, dislocations, structural problems in the joint, dental problems infections or tumors.
• Treatment options run from stretching and massaging to surgery.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:

• Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.
• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.
• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
• Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
• Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.

© 2000-2021 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.

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TMJ Disorders (for Parents) – Nemours Kidshealth

Mostly everyone has soreness or tightness in the jaw from time to time. Usually, these symptoms go away within a few days and are not cause for alarm.

But sometimes, the pain can linger and get worse — becoming so intense that chewing, smiling, and even breathing is difficult. When kids have symptoms like these, they’re likely to have developed a TMJ disorder, which may require treatment.

About TMJ Disorders

TMJ disorders are medical problems related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. You can feel your TM joints and their movement by placing your fingers directly in front of your ears and opening your mouth. What you’re feeling are the rounded ends of the lower jaw as they glide along the joint socket of the temporal bone, which is the part of the skull that contains the inner ear and the temple.

TMJ disorders (also called temporomandibular disorders, or TMD) can cause pain in the head, neck, jaw or face; problems chewing or biting; popping or clicking sounds when opening and closing the mouth; and, occasionally, a jaw that can be locked open or locked shut.

TMJ disorders can affect kids of any age, but are much more common in teens, especially girls.

Causes

It’s often not clear what causes TMJ disorders, but many things can contribute to them.

Bruxism (jaw clenching or teeth grinding) can make a TMJ disorder more likely. It overworks the TMJ, which can lead to a disc in the joint wearing down or move out of place. Grinding and clenching also can change the alignment of the bite (the way that top and bottom teeth line up) and can affect muscles used for chewing. Sometimes people don’t even realize that they’re clenching or grinding and might even do it during sleep.

Stress can influence TMJ symptoms by making kids more likely to grind their teeth, clench their jaw, or tighten their jaw muscles.

TMJ disorders also are more common in those with other dental problems (like a bad bite), joint problems (like arthritis), muscle problems, or a history of trauma to the jaw or face.

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Signs and Symptoms

Many symptoms can indicate a problem with the TM joint. Some of the most common are:

• pain in the facial muscles, jaw joints, or around the ear, and sometimes in the neck and shoulders. Some people have pain when they talk, chew, or yawn; a few might notice muscle spasms.
• popping, clicking, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth (some kids hear these noises but don’t have other symptoms, and might not need any treatment)
• difficulty chewing or biting
• headaches, dizziness, ear pain, hearing loss, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• jaw locking (the jaw might lock wide open or lock shut)

When to See a Dentist

If your child has symptoms of a TMJ disorder, let your dentist know. The earlier a TMJ disorder is diagnosed and treated, the better.

The dentist will ask questions, examine your child, and might order imaging tests (like X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI) to confirm a TMJ disorder.

If your child’s jaw is locked open or locked shut, see an oral surgeon or go to the emergency room.

Treatment

For some kids with TMJ disorders, treatment can be as simple as resting the jaw for a few days.

Offer your child soft foods and make sure he or she avoids any habits that can aggravate the TM joint or the muscles of the face (such as chewing gum, clenching or grinding the teeth, or opening the mouth extra-wide while yawning). Apply ice packs or heat to the side of the face to help your child feel more comfortable.

Depending on the specific diagnosis of a TMJ disorder, more treatment might be needed. A child whose jaw is locked will need to have the jaw manipulated until it can be opened or closed. Sometimes this is done under sedation.

If pain is caused by clenching the jaw or grinding the teeth, the dentist may fit your child with a splint or biteplate to wear at night to help reduce clenching and grinding. Medicine also can be prescribed to help relieve the pain or relax the muscles.

And if the dentist finds that a problem with your child’s bite is contributing to the TMJ disorder, he or she may recommend braces or other dental work to correct it.

Occasionally, when the symptoms do not respond to other treatments, a child might need surgery to repair damaged tissue in the joint. But most kids won’t need surgery.

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Prevention

Lots of kids develop TMJ disorders or joint pain as a result of unconsciously grinding the teeth or clenching the jaw repeatedly. You can help a child control these habits by making him or her aware of the activity.

Teach kids to notice these behaviors when they happen (for example, during a test at school, when angry or upset, etc.) so that they can be consciously stopped. If the behavior is a result of stress, have your child get plenty of exercise to release nervous energy. Breathing exercises also can help kids relax. 

Ask your dentist for more tips on avoiding TMJ disorders.

TMJ Disorder Symptoms – Rockwall, TX – Rockwall Family Dentistry

Whether you are experiencing headaches, jaw pain, hindered jaw movement, or another side effect, these symptoms can be greatly improved through our wide range of treatments.

Also, your pain could be localized or it could radiate across your lower face and into your neck, shoulders, and upper back. Inflammation can also affect the function of your jaw joints, making them very stiff. In some cases, the stiffness may be so severe that you are unable to open or close your mouth fully. Even in less serious instances, you may find it difficult to eat certain foods.

TMJ-induced Headaches

Some patients who suffer from chronic headaches never think to associate them with jaw health. However, soreness in the jaw can spread to the surrounding areas. Therefore, headaches are one of the most common symptoms of TMD. In fact, you could suffer from TMD-related headaches without actually developing any jaw pain. While migraine medications may provide temporary respite, they will merely cover up the symptoms. For this reason, it is important to visit our TMJ specialist to address the root cause of the problem and find pain relief.

Ear Pain and Tinnitus

The nerves to your ears run along your jaw joints. Therefore, just as inflammation can quickly spread to other muscles in your head, it can also affect your ears. You may experience a dull, throbbing ache. Alternatively, you could have sharp, stabbing pains in your ears, particularly when you are biting or chewing. You could also develop tinnitus, or ringing in your ears. In the most serious cases, this symptom could dramatically affect your hearing. Fortunately, TMD-related tinnitus is not permanent, and appropriate jaw therapy can typically restore your hearing.

Other TMJ Disorder Symptoms

In addition to the symptoms above, you could experience several other effects of TMD.

• Irritability: Constant pain can greatly affect your mood.
• Chronic exhaustion: TMD and sleep apnea often go hand-in-hand. Therefore, while fatigue is not a direct symptom of TMJ disorder, it may help us diagnose the condition.
• Dental damage: If your TMD is the result of chronic teeth grinding, you may notice significant enamel erosion, small cracks in your teeth, and structural damage. 
• Clicking in your jaw: TMD can sometimes develop if the soft discs inside your joints slip out of position, causing the bones to rub against one another. As a result, you may hear a popping or clicking sound when you open and close your mouth.

Alleviate Your Pain Today

Whether you are experiencing headaches, jaw pain, hindered jaw movement, or another side effect, these symptoms can be greatly improved through our wide range of treatments. Contact Rockwall Family Dentistry today to discuss your symptoms and begin designing a custom TMD treatment plan.

Ear Pain in Children | CS Mott Children’s Hospital

Ear pain (otalgia) can be a common reason children visit a physician. There are several causes of ear pain, including teething, sore throat, ear infection, or blocked Eustachian tubes.

Otitis media with effusion (Fluid behind eardrum)

Otitis media with effusion occurs when the Eustachian tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose becomes blocked. This allows fluid to collect behind the eardrum.

Since there is no infection, antibiotics are not beneficial. Treatment is aimed at symptomatic control: acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed for pain relief. You can also use warm compresses as needed.

Otitis media with effusion generally self-resolves within 3 months.

Temporary mild hearing loss can be associated with otitis media with effusion. Strategies to help with hearing loss, if present, include:

• Speak directly to your child in a louder voice than normal; make good eye contact and use gestures.
• Reduce background noise when talking to affected individual (lower volume of TV and radio)

If fluid persists longer than 3 months or hearing loss is a concern, your child may be referred to ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat specialist/Otolaryngologist) for further evaluation. The ENT may discuss tympanostomy tubes (ear tubes), which help drain the fluid in the ear.

Ear infection

When the Eustachian tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose becomes blocked, and fluid collects in the middle ear space, viruses or bacteria can sometimes grow in the fluid and cause pain (acute otitis media).

Commonly, these ear infections may occur after or during a viral upper respiratory infection. Otitis media is more common in the winter, and occurs more frequently in children who attend daycare (related to the increased number of viral URIs experienced by these children). Otitis media does not occur after getting water in the ear.

Antibiotics are used for some patients with an ear infection. Since ear infections are not always caused by bacteria, antibiotics are not always needed.

Strategies to prevent ear infections include:

• Keep your child’s vaccinations up to date, especially pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations
• Avoid exposure to second-hand smoke
• Breastfeed your child exclusively for the first 6 months of life
• Avoid bottle propping in babies

If a child has repeated episodes of acute otitis media (3 episodes in 6 months or 4 episodes in 1 year), the child may be referred to ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat specialist/Otolaryngologist) for evaluation for tympanostomy tubes (ear tubes) to help the fluid drain.

Swimmer’s ear

Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) occurs when there is an infection present in the external ear canal. This can occur if the skin in the ear canal becomes irritated or scratched and then develops an infection.

Topical antibiotic drops are used in the treatment of swimmer’s ear. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used to control pain.

For patients with recurrent swimmer’s ear, preventative measures include:

• Wearing ear plugs when swimming
• Drying the ear after swimming with hair dryer on low setting and at least 12 inches from the ear
• Use of ear drops containing acetic acid or alcohol after swimming

Eustachian tube dysfunction

The Eustachian tube is a tube that runs from the middle ear to the nasopharynx (back of nose and top of throat). This tube helps to equalize pressure across the tympanic membrane (ear drum), protect the middle ear from infection and help clear middle ear secretions.

Symptoms of Eustachian tube dysfunction include ear pain, ear fullness, decreased hearing, tinnitus or popping/cracking in the ear.

Treatment involves treating the underlying cause of the Eustachian tube dysfunction:

• Treat any underlying allergic rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, GERD
• Eliminate exposure to second-hand smoke

Temporomandibular joint disorders

Problems with the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull, the temporomandibular joint, can cause referred ear pain. Additional symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder can include jaw or facial pain, headache, pain with chewing or opening mouth.

Temporomandibular joint disorders are more common in children over age 10 years.

Treatment includes patient education, avoiding triggers, jaw exercises, use of an occlusion splint if grinding teeth is an issue and use of anti-inflammatory pain medications.

Other causes of ear pain

Other less common causes of ear pain include trauma to the ear or ear canal, foreign body in the ear canal, or wax build-up.

Other illnesses that can cause referred ear pain include teething, parotitis, sinusitis, pharyngeal infections, lymphadenopathy / lymphadenitis and cervical spine injury.

When should you seek help for ear pain?

Call your physician or seek medical care if:

• Ear pain is worsening, persistent or not controlled with supportive care measures
• There is blood or pus draining from the ear canal
• The area around the ear starts to swell or become red
• Your child gets a new or higher fever

Caring for Ear Pain

Ear pain may be worse when lying down; so try to have child sit or sleep with head elevated.

Warm compresses may help ease ear discomfort. (However, take care not to burn the skin).

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used to help discomfort; following instructions on label or given by physician.

Do NOT give aspirin to any person under age 18 years. It has been linked to developing Reye syndrome, an illness that causes swelling in the brain and liver.

Do not insert anything into the ear (including Q-tips). It is ok to clean the outside of the ear with a warm washcloth.

Written/reviewed by Lauren Reed, MD

Updated February 2020

90,000 Headache: 5 symptoms and reasons why a head hurts

Let’s talk about headaches, causes and consequences.

Traditionally, headache is associated with body fatigue, reaction to the weather or stress. Headache treatment is also traditional, we climb into the medicine cabinet for headache medicines, take pills and wait for the headache to stop hurting.

And if the head does not stop hurting? It is necessary to look for the cause of the headache, which is sometimes difficult to do.It is no coincidence that the doctors called the person with a headache “a medical orphan”. But, in any case, you cannot put up with a headache, the cause of the pain must be.

Let’s look at several of these reasons.

Drills whiskey

This sensation of pain, popularly described as “drilling in the temples,” occurs at low pressure, accompanies tension headache or an attack of cluster (beam) pain. The most common pain of tension among people of mental work (table and chair workers).It helps to carry out a manual massage of the head or shoulder girdle, rest for a few minutes in a horizontal position, good sleep at night and breaks from work.

Cluster pain is much more complicated. Such pain is quite rare (in five out of six cases in men), the causes of the pain are not yet understood. Symptoms of this pain are pain in one side of the head.

Pressing forehead or pressing head pain

If, with a runny nose, the body temperature rises and pressing pains appear in the forehead, then perhaps these are symptoms of inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, which are located in the frontal bone.Treatment of inflammation of the paranasal sinuses at the ENT doctor and treatment is advisable not to postpone.

Shoots in the ear

Hypothermia of the head can be obtained during a morning walk or jogging to the nearest store without a headdress, as a result – in the evening there is already a feeling of pain in the ear. Hypothermia can cause both otitis externa (inflammation of the ear canal) and inflammation of the middle ear. With an existing predisposition to otitis media associated with the anatomical features of the structure of the ear, you should never overcool your head, neither in winter nor in summer.

Pierces the jaw

Possibly with trigeminal nerve inflammation. You would not wish the enemy to experience the feelings of a person with trigeminal neuralgia. The pain often does not have a specific localization, it occurs abruptly, quickly passes, but comes back again and again, sometimes at intervals of 15-30 minutes. It is easy to get inflammation, it is enough to sleep through the night in a draft or overcool on the street. The treatment will be difficult and long.

Disables half of the face

There is still a misfortune associated with cold – damage to the facial nerve, the nerve responsible for the work of facial muscles.In this case, there is severe pain in the ear area, the person’s ability to control facial expressions (most often on the right side) is lost. The face seems to be skewed.

The list of possible causes and symptoms of headaches does not end here. The way all organisms are different, the pain in the head can also manifest itself in different ways.

However, it is important to remember that headaches that appear should not be allowed to take their course. Self-medication and taking various medications without knowing the exact reason, without knowing the state of the vessels of the head and neck, blood is dangerous to your health! Therefore, we recommend to undergo an ultrasound of the vessels of the brain and neck.

Inflamed jaw gives to the neck

Inflammatory diseases are very common and are presented in all their diversity, from clinical manifestations to localization. Differential diagnosis is not always easy, especially if there are no specific signs. Often, a dentist finds himself in such a situation when a patient with inflammation under the jaw in the neck comes to him.In this case, it is very important to make the correct diagnosis and prescribe an effective treatment.

Causes of jaw inflammation

The lower jaw and the area under it have a rather complex anatomical structure. Muscles, lymphatic and blood vessels, bone structures, etc. are concentrated in this zone. The temporomandibular joint or other anatomical zones from which the focus extends to the neck area can also be involved in the inflammatory process. Common causes of jaw inflammation are:

• Tooth root cyst.
• Osteitis.
• Inflammation of the lymph nodes.
• Tumors of the vessels and soft tissues of the neck.
• Traumatic injuries.
• Inflammation of the middle ear.
• Gingivitis, periodontitis, periodontal disease, etc.

Given this variety of reasons, the approach to diagnosis and treatment must be individualized. Due to their ignorance, the patient may choose the wrong doctor and waste time.In those situations when something has become inflamed under the jaw on the right or left and at the same time a tooth or temporomandibular joint hurts, it is necessary to consult a dentist. If the pain is localized in the ear, then it is necessary to visit the ENT.

What to do if the lower jaw is inflamed

First of all, it is important to identify the symptoms of the problem. One of the very first and most obvious is the increase in soft tissue volume.

It can be either a slight swelling or a very large tumor-like formation.Other symptoms may include:

• Increased body temperature.
• Skin redness.
• Painful sensations.
• Incomplete opening or closing of the jaw.
• Sensation of a foreign body in the throat.
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing.
• Hearing loss.

If the symptoms are confusing and it becomes unclear which doctor should be consulted, you can sign up for a consultation with a therapist who will conduct an initial examination, examine the complaints and issue a referral to the right specialist.

Diagnosis and treatment of jaw inflammation at the dentist in Odintsovo

If the inflammation of the jaw has developed due to diseases such as pulpitis, periodontitis, periodontitis, as well as as a result of injuries and lesions of the temporomandibular joint, then the dentist will deal with the treatment. First, the specialist must establish an accurate diagnosis. To do this, he collects anamnesis, clarifies complaints, conducts a visual examination of the oral cavity. Additionally, an X-ray examination of the jaws, laboratory tests and other diagnostic tests can be prescribed, with the help of which it will be possible to obtain objective information about the state of the patient’s dentition.

Treatment of inflammation in our clinic in Odintsovo is usually carried out by combined methods, which include:

• Conservative therapy. Usually, the dentist will prescribe antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and pain relieving medications.
• Surgical treatment. It implies the removal of non-viable tissues, drainage of the inflammatory focus and, if necessary, other procedures that are aimed at eliminating the pathological area.

The duration and complexity of treatment largely depends on the degree of neglect of the process. The earlier the patient seeks medical help, the easier it will be to restore the lost health.

Peculiarities of treatment of elderly patients

Among the common age-related changes in the lower jaw, there is a change in the content of water, organic and inorganic substances, osteoporosis, atrophy and thinning of bone tissue are often detected.In addition, elderly patients often have comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus. All of these factors can severely limit treatment options. For example, if dental prosthetics is required, then in some situations the dentist can offer only removable dentures. Installing implants will be risky and ineffective.

Nevertheless, the modern possibilities of dentistry allow you to find a way out of any, even the most difficult situation. A wide variety of materials and techniques allows you to eliminate existing problems and significantly improve the patient’s quality of life.

Strongly blew in the evening, teeth ached at night.

Question:

Hello dear doctors!

Please. give advice! Two days ago, I was badly blown out in the evening, and my teeth ached at night. On the left side, 2 lower extreme teeth. The pain is throbbing, very severe.

One of these teeth was badly broken off, I was going to put a filling after the holidays. The teeth have been dead for a long time, the canals are well sealed.The pain was severe, and I had to inject baralgin. The next day, diclofenac was injected, the pain subsided. I thought it was this tooth that was inflamed, that broke, it was he who hurt the most. I sinned only to the teeth. Now the upper jaw has already begun to ache, there the teeth have nothing to do with it. And it shoots already in the ear area.

Most likely, because of the strong wind, the entire left side of the face became inflamed (but the trigeminal nerve was not affected). But under the aching tooth there is a seal under the lower jaw, next to the tonsil.Either it is the salivary duct that is inflamed, or it is still the root.

What should I do??

1) Can I warm it up with something now? I will only go to the doctor the day after tomorrow, but there is no X-ray, and this doctor does not inspire confidence. I’m afraid he will simply remove this tooth, but it may not be the case at all. Everything is complicated by the fact that there is a small abscess on the gum next to this root, most likely there is a cyst at the root. But for a long time now, she has not been a cause for concern.

2) Go to this our doctor, or look for a clinic, paid ??

3) Should this tooth be removed, or can you try to put a filling on it?

4) What to do now, how to remove the throbbing pain near the ear?

Specialist’s answer: Hello, Natalia!
For a high-quality diagnosis, you need to go to a clinic with the appropriate equipment where there is a mandatory X-ray machine, it is best to immediately take an overview of the jaws – an orthopantomogram, if there is a seal in the projection of the tooth root and purulent discharge, then there is a focus of purulent infection associated with the tooth, it may not bother for years and greatly annoy during periods of exacerbation, before providing qualified assistance, it is advisable to rinse with a soda-salt (1 teaspoon per glass of water) solution t 40 degrees Celsius 6-8 times a day, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – Nurofen, Ksefokam 2-3 tab …on the day and an urgent visit to the dentist to identify the causative tooth and determine the tactics of treatment.

We have all the necessary equipment to solve your problem, please make an appointment by phone 8- (812) -775-04-20

Crunching and pain in the ear area (diseases of the temporomandibular joint)

Crunch and pain in front of the ear is an abnormality of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

TMJ is the most complex joint in our body.Analogues in nature, i.e. in animals, no. Therefore, it is impossible to model the human model of the disease. Consequently, the study of this pathology (disease) takes place on a sick person.

Consequence of malfunctioning TMJ

Crunching and clicking in the joint, pain when chewing and at rest are often accompanied by a headache in the temple. This is due to the fact that the same nerve – the ear-temporal one – innervates the TMJ and the skin of the temporal region. Joint pain is caused by inflammation of the joint capsule, and crunching and clicks are caused by stretching of the ligamentous apparatus of the joint.This stretching occurs gradually and imperceptibly, and often leads to chronic reducible dislocation and subluxation of the mandible.

In case of dislocation, a person can feel how the head of the lower jaw is skipping forward, the mouth can open by 5, 6 or 8 cm, at a rate of 3.5-4 cm. chin to set the jaw and close the mouth.

On computed tomograms, you can see the deformation of the head of the lower jaw, either due to abnormal growths of the bone, or due to resorption of the head of the lower jaw.In some patients, the head is absorbed by half of its height, the branch of the lower jaw is shortened and pulled up by the muscles. The front parts of the jaw descend, and the front teeth stop closing – nothing can be bitten off.

On magnetic resonance imaging, the displacement of the intra-articular disc and the head of the lower jaw is clearly visible. Abnormal displacement of the disc causes pathological changes in the joint.

Treatment

Orthopedic dentists for the treatment of such patients offer bulky splints and restraints that need to be worn for 2-3 years.This is very inconvenient and harmful to the entire dentition. Dentists-gnathologists suggest grinding teeth in a few steps. Some dental surgeons, by injecting saline under pressure into the joint, hope to correct the excessively displaced articular disc. Others perform complex 4-hour surgeries under anesthesia to suture the joint capsule or shorten the disc ligament.

We offer medical treatment aimed at stopping inflammation in the joint and resorption of the head of the lower jaw.In addition, we stimulate bone regeneration to restore the shape and size of this head, restore its cartilaginous cover and strengthen the ligamentous apparatus of the joint, which relieves the patient from dislocation of the lower jaw.

To eliminate the dislocation of the lower jaw, we successfully use injections of Botox solution into the deep chewing muscles. For those who are not helped by Botox, we perform an operation lasting only 30-40 minutes in a dental chair under local anesthesia and relieve the patient from chronic dislocation of the lower jaw.

Glossopharyngeal nerve neuralgia ›Diseases› DoctorPiter.ru

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a disease first described by Sicard in 1920. Despite the fact that in some cases its symptoms are similar to those of trigeminal neuralgia, this disease is a hundred times less common.

Features

Most often, this disease develops at the age of 30-40, and in women it is twice as likely as in men. They complain of paroxysmal pain in the area of ​​the root of the tongue or tonsils, radiating to the palate, throat, ear, corner of the lower jaw, and the lateral surface of the neck.In this case, profuse salivation, facial flushing, coughing, syncope with a decrease in pressure, a weakening of the pulse, muscle weakness, and even fainting often occur.

The pains, as a rule, are paroxysmal, lasting about two minutes, of varying intensity: from single weakly perceptible to unbearable paroxysmal lumbago. Sometimes patients find a zone that is the source of pain – touching it causes an attack. It can be located in the area of ​​the tongue root, tonsil, and sometimes outside the innervation of the glossopharyngeal nerve (on the chin, earlobe, etc.)etc.). They provoke painful attacks by swallowing food or saliva, talking. This disease is characterized by periods of exacerbation, most often it is autumn-winter, and remission, when there is practically no pain.

Symptoms by which the diagnosis of glossopharyngeal neuralgia is established: the presence of a zone of innervation of the glossopharyngeal nerve (localization of pain), paroxysmal nature of pain, irradiation of pain in different zones, the presence of concomitant symptoms and a pain point around the corner of the mandible. Bitter food is a provocateur of attacks.

Description

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia can be caused by diseases of the ear, throat and nose, compression of the nerve by muscles under the base of the skull. After the place (cause) of compression (irritation) of the glossopharyngeal nerve is found, neuralgia can be successfully treated, albeit for a rather long time. It happens that it lasts up to two years.

The cause of the development of the disease can also be infections (chronic tonsillitis, tonsillitis, flu), intoxication (tetraethyl lead poisoning).Glossopharyngeal nerve neuralgia syndrome occurs as a result of trauma to the amygdala bed by an excessively elongated styloid process, as well as ossification of the stylohyoid ligament, with tumors of the cerebellopontine angle, carotid artery aneurysm, laryngeal cancer, etc. There is evidence that cancer of the pharynx or larynx may be the first to declare about myself with neuralgic pain syndrome in this area.

Diagnostics

To establish a diagnosis of glossopharyngeal neuralgia, one should carefully consider the symptoms and carry out a differential diagnosis with trigeminal neuralgia.The main difference between these diseases from each other is the localization of pain and the age of the patients, as well as the different location of trigger zones: with trigeminal neuralgia, they are located on the face, often around the lips, and with glossopharyngeal nerve neuralgia, they are located at the root of the tongue.

A comprehensive examination of patients with neuralgia includes an orthopantomogram, which allows to establish the presence or absence of an enlargement of the styloid process or ossification of the stylohyoid ligament, computed tomography (CT) of the brain or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the vessels, which can be used to detect compression of the nerve root by a vessel or other structures.An oncologist’s consultation is mandatory to exclude cancer.

Treatment

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia, like trigeminal neuralgia, is treated conservatively with medication prescribed by a doctor. Fortifying agents are also recommended: vitamins, aloe extract, FiBS, ATP, phytin, ginseng, etc. If the disease is not started, then physiotherapy helps. In addition, since the causes of compression (compression of the nerve roots) are more often identified in this disease, it is easier to help those suffering from glossopharyngeal nerve neuralgia using surgical methods, for example, by resecting an enlarged styloid process.

© Dr. Peter

90,000 Jaw problems and headaches

What is occlusion?

In dentistry, the term “occlusion” means the same as “bite”.

What problems with temporomandibular joint can arise?

If your teeth do not fit together properly, you may have problems not only with your teeth, but also with your gums, temporomandibular joints, and the muscles that move your jaw.These problems are called “occlusal” or “malocclusion”.

Teeth

Symptoms of malocclusion can be curvature, severe wear and increased fragility of the teeth, as well as loss of fillings and crowns. You may experience discomfort in your teeth when you close your jaws or feel constant pain in your teeth.

Gums

An incorrect bite can lead to loose teeth and drooping gums.

TMJ

Clicking or grinding sounds, jaw pain, tinnitus and tinnitus, and difficulty opening and closing your mouth can be signs that your teeth are not closing together the way they should.

Muscle

If your jaws are in the wrong position, the muscles of the jaws (chewing muscles) have to work harder and they can overextend. As a result, muscle spasms occur. The main symptoms of masticatory muscle spasms are persistent headaches or migraines, especially in the morning, pain behind the eyes, in the sinuses, neck and shoulders. Sometimes the pain is felt even in the muscles of the back.

How do I know if I have a malocclusion?

An imperfect bite or missing teeth are present in many people, but they do not always lead to severe symptoms because people are adapting to the problem.Sometimes symptoms only appear during periods of increased stress or strain on the jaw and quickly disappear. In some cases, teeth and gums are affected, and instead of a headache, you may have:

• Flat worn teeth;

90,048 broken teeth, fillings and crowns;

90,048 loose teeth

• permanent sensitivity of teeth to temperature changes;
• toothache for no apparent reason.

If you have any of the above problems, see your dentist.

You may notice that you are clenching or grinding your teeth, although many people who have this problem are unaware of it. Gritting and grinding your teeth can be a response to stress, and most people grit their teeth when they are focused on something, such as when they are doing housework or gardening, fixing a car, using a keyboard, etc.

If you wake up in the morning with a tight jaw or pain when closing your teeth, it may be caused by clenching your jaws and grinding your teeth during sleep.Most people who grind their teeth do it while sleeping and do not remember it.

You may not be aware that severe headaches or neck or shoulder pain are associated with jaw problems. Other signs of malocclusion are pain and discomfort around the ears or jaw joints, as well as limited movement of the lower jaw. All of these symptoms indicate a TMJ problem.

If you have several back teeth missing, this can lead to an imbalance in the bite and an uneven distribution of pressure between the teeth.

Collectively, these symptoms are referred to as TMJ syndrome.

How are malocclusion treated?

See your dentist. He may be able to help you himself or refer you to a specialist who treats malocclusion.

Your symptoms will help diagnose a specific bite problem. Pain in various muscles on testing and decayed or worn areas of the teeth indicate that you are grinding your teeth.Teeth grinding is the main symptom of malocclusion.

If your dentist suspects that your symptoms are due to an improper bite, they can correct the problem with a hard plastic device that fits over your upper or lower teeth. This device must be very precisely fitted so that all of your teeth are closed in the position in which your muscles are relaxed. You will have to wear this device all the time or only at night. If wearing the device alleviates the symptoms, then your bite may require permanent correction.Some patients experience relief immediately, while others experience relief only after a long time.

Correction (equilibration) of occlusion
To correct the occlusion, you can undergo an occlusion correction procedure. Correction of occlusion consists in grinding the surfaces of the teeth in order to change their direction and position. Often this resurfacing is sufficient to change the way the jaws close.

Replacement of missing teeth

The temporomandibular joint needs equal support from both sides of both jaws.The jaws can chew properly only if all teeth are present and correctly positioned. To correct the bite, it may be necessary to replace missing teeth with a partial denture or bridge.

As a rule, dentists insist on replacing missing teeth only when they are sure that there is a malocclusion.

Medicines

Certain drugs are sometimes used to relieve symptoms, but the effect is only temporary.Some women benefit from hormone replacement therapy.

Nutrition and exercise

As with any joint pain, it is helpful to reduce the stress on the joints (in this case, the jaw). Therefore, a soft diet, special exercise and application of heat are recommended. Physiotherapy exercises are often effective and your dentist can show you some exercises.

Relaxation

Psychological counseling and relaxation therapy help some people.These techniques help the patient better recognize stressful situations and control their response to stress.

Will straightening your teeth help?

If your teeth are very crooked or in a completely wrong position when closing your jaws, you may be advised to use an orthodontic device (braces) to move your teeth into position.

How many people suffer from bite problems?

Every fourth person has malocclusion symptoms.Malocclusion occurs in both men and women, but women seek treatment more often than men. Symptoms of malocclusion can appear after menopause or other hormonal changes.

Published:
25 ^th January, 2017

Updated:
21 ^st February, 2018

Author:

90,000 Pain after trauma 9,0001

“OSTEOMED” successfully treats post-traumatic conditions after spinal and traumatic brain injuries.

Cervico-cranial syndrome is a painful condition of the cervico-occipital junction resulting from an injury to the head or neck (cervical spine) with irritation of pain receptors in the ligamentous apparatus, capsules of the intervertebral joints, muscles of the cervical spine and aponeurosis in the occipital part of the skull.

The source of pain in the neck and back of the head is an injury to the supporting structures of this area (injury or contusion of the cervical spine).Injury to the cervical spine by the time of occurrence can be either acute (as a result of car accidents, falls, blows to the head or blows to the head, bruised neck and back of the head in a fall), and chronic (sedentary work, feeding or carrying a child for a long time, etc. etc.). Acute injury to the neck (cervical spine) and cervico-occipital junction occurs when falling, colliding with another moving or stationary object, person (while skiing, snowboarding, etc.).From a similar mechanism of injury or contusion of the cervical spine, there is a sharp movement in the cervico-occipital junction and intervertebral joints. As a result of this injury to the cervical spine, the ligaments and muscles of the neck (back, front, lateral groups and their combinations) are stretched.

Sometimes this movement in the neck can be larger than the physiological norm for the cervical spine. Then ruptures of ligaments and muscles with subluxation of the intervertebral joints and the odontoid process of the cervical vertebra are likely.Whiplash mechanism of injury to the ligaments and muscles of the neck and brain during a car accident or collision when skating, rollerblading, skiing or snowboarding, bruising the neck and back of the head when falling. (To the picture) Depending on the intensity of pain in the back of the head and neck in case of injury or a bruise of the cervical spine, the patient cannot find a comfortable sleeping position.

Chronic trauma to the neck (cervical spine) and cervico-occipital junction is formed by a static load from monotonous efforts for a long period of time (sedentary work).At the same time, for a certain amount of time, a person experiences discomfort in the neck and back of the head. Exacerbation of pain in the cervical spine can cause hypothermia, sudden head movement (turning the head to the side or back), uncomfortable neck position during sleep.

Against the background of injury and pain in the cervical spine, irritation of the vertebral arteries occurs, which pass in the transverse sections of the cervical vertebrae.

It should be noted that in addition to pain in the neck and head (occiput, temples, crown), patients may experience vestibular disorders as a result of irritation of the vertebral arteries, which are expressed by dizziness and unsteadiness when walking, nausea and vomiting, which sometimes leads to an erroneous diagnosis of concussion. brain.There are also possible complaints about the appearance of noise (ringing in the ears and head), numbness of the face, tongue, occiput, in the ear area. The headache becomes constant, debilitating.

Rapid fatigability occurs. In the morning after sleep, there is no feeling that I managed to get enough sleep. Sometimes insomnia may occur against this background. General performance and attention decrease, irritability arises.

Diagnostics

To diagnose a neck injury (cervical spine) and cervical-cranial syndrome, you should consult a doctor for a neurological examination, which should evaluate the biomechanics of the cervical spine (range of motion, muscle tone and strength, the presence of myofascial triggers in the neck muscles, etc.).etc.).

Based on the results of the examination, a clinical diagnosis can be made and treatment offered. In the case of an unrefined diagnosis, additional diagnostic purposes can be given:

• REG, USDG of vessels of the neck and brain
• X-ray of the cervical spine with functional tests
• CT of the cervical spine
• MRI of the cervical spine

Treatment

In case of injury to the cervical spine, the muscles of the neck and intervertebral joints can be treated with blockages when conventional treatment does not give a positive effect.For this, low doses of anesthetic (lidocaine, novocaine) and cortisone injected into the lumen of the affected joint are sufficient.

When combined with a properly selected physiotherapy regimen, these injections can have a good and long-term effect on headaches and neck pain following a cervical spine injury.

Depending on the severity of the patient’s pain in the neck, back of the head and dizziness after a head or neck injury (cervical spine) with cervical-cranial syndrome, the following therapeutic actions are possible:

• Wearing a neck brace or corset (Shantz splint, Philadelphia collar)
• drug therapy (NSAIDs, analgesics, hormones)
• manual therapy
• kinesio taping
• Remedial gymnastics
• acupuncture
• OSTEOPATHIC TREATMENT

Wearing a special cervical brace or cervical brace limits the range of motion in the stretched ligaments and injured joints of the neck in case of cervico-cranial syndrome (trauma of the cervical spine).At the same time, the cervical corset and the cervical brace create additional unloading of tense and protectively spasmodic muscles as a result of a neck injury.

Against the background of limited movement when wearing a cervical brace or a cervical brace, the pain symptom in the neck and back of the head with cervical-cranial syndrome will be eliminated much faster, which leads to a rapid restoration of the previous range of motion in the stretched ligaments and injured joints of the cervical spine after injury of the cervical spine.

Only in our clinic successfully treats post-traumatic conditions Oleg Ivanovich Muravyov, a neurologist, a chiropractor, a reflexologist, a specialist in kinesio taping and the manufacture of individual orthopedic insoles. Oleg Ivanovich is a specialist with extensive experience (over 27 years), with whom you can undergo a full cycle of treatment. An individual approach and a competent combination of treatment methods allow you to achieve positive and lasting results.