Tmj and ear infections. TMJ vs Ear Infections: Distinguishing Between Common Causes of Ear Pain

12.05.202126.07.2023 by alexxlab

How can you tell if your ear pain is caused by TMJ or an ear infection. What are the key symptoms that differentiate TMJ from ear infections. When should you see a doctor about recurring ear pain.

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Understanding TMJ and Its Relation to Ear Pain

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are often misdiagnosed due to their diverse and widespread symptoms. The TMJ, which connects the jawbone to the skull, can cause pain that radiates to the ears, leading many to mistake it for an ear infection. In fact, studies show that nearly 80% of people with TMJ disorders report ear-related symptoms.

Why does TMJ cause ear pain? The temporomandibular joint is located very close to the ear canal and shares nerve connections with the surrounding area. When the joint is inflamed or misaligned, it can put pressure on nearby nerves and structures, resulting in ear pain, ringing, and other symptoms that mimic an ear infection.

Ear Infections in Adults: Less Common Than You Might Think

While ear infections are prevalent in children, they are relatively uncommon in adults. Children are more susceptible due to their developing immune systems and narrower ear passages. Adults typically experience ear infections as a result of:

Upper respiratory infections
Allergies
Changes in air pressure (such as during air travel)
Swimming in contaminated water

If you’re an adult experiencing recurrent ear pain without other signs of infection, it’s worth considering TMJ as a potential cause.

Overlapping Symptoms: Why TMJ and Ear Infections Can Be Confusing

Both TMJ disorders and ear infections can present with similar symptoms, making it challenging to differentiate between the two conditions. Common overlapping symptoms include:

Ear pain or aching
Feeling of fullness in the ear
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Reduced hearing or muffled sounds
Headaches
Dizziness or vertigo

Given these similarities, it’s not surprising that many people initially assume they have an ear infection when experiencing these symptoms. However, understanding the key differences can help you seek appropriate treatment more quickly.

Key Indicators: Is It TMJ or an Ear Infection?

To determine whether your ear pain is caused by TMJ or an ear infection, consider the following indicators:

Signs Pointing to an Ear Infection:

Recent illness or upper respiratory infection
Fever or localized warmth around the ear
Discharge from the ear
Sudden onset of symptoms
Pain that worsens when lying down

Signs Suggesting TMJ:

No recent illness or fever
Pain that worsens with jaw movement or chewing
Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
Facial pain or tenderness
Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully
Symptoms that persist or recur over time

Can TMJ cause ear infections? While TMJ itself doesn’t directly cause ear infections, the inflammation and pressure it creates can make the ear more susceptible to infection. Additionally, TMJ can cause fluid buildup in the ear, which may provide a breeding ground for bacteria if left untreated.

Diagnosing TMJ: When to Seek Professional Help

If you’re experiencing persistent ear pain or other symptoms that don’t respond to typical ear infection treatments, it’s time to consider TMJ as a potential cause. Here are some scenarios that warrant a visit to a TMJ specialist or dentist:

Your doctor has ruled out an ear infection
Symptoms don’t improve with antibiotics or other ear infection treatments
You notice jaw clicking, popping, or locking
Pain worsens with jaw movement or chewing
You experience frequent headaches or facial pain
Symptoms flare up during periods of stress or after intense jaw activity

How is TMJ diagnosed? A TMJ specialist will typically perform a thorough examination of your jaw, teeth, and facial muscles. They may also use imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to get a detailed view of the joint and surrounding structures. In some cases, they might recommend a TMJ arthroscopy for a more precise diagnosis.

Treatment Options for TMJ-Related Ear Pain

Once TMJ has been identified as the source of your ear pain, there are several treatment options available. The appropriate treatment will depend on the severity of your condition and the underlying cause of your TMJ disorder.

Conservative Treatments:

Jaw exercises and stretches
Stress management techniques
Application of heat or cold therapy
Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications
Soft diet to reduce strain on the jaw

Professional Interventions:

Custom-fitted night guards or splints
Orthodontic treatments to correct bite issues
Botox injections to relax overactive jaw muscles
Physical therapy or massage therapy
Prescription medications for pain and inflammation

Surgical Options (for severe cases):

Arthrocentesis (joint fluid removal)
Arthroscopy
Open joint surgery

What is the most effective treatment for TMJ ear pain? The effectiveness of treatment varies from person to person. Many find relief through a combination of conservative methods and professional interventions. Surgical options are typically reserved for cases that don’t respond to other treatments.

Preventing TMJ Flare-Ups and Associated Ear Pain

While not all cases of TMJ can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms:

Practice good posture to reduce strain on the jaw and neck
Avoid excessive gum chewing or nail biting
Use relaxation techniques to manage stress
Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth during sleep
Maintain a balanced diet with soft foods during flare-ups
Apply heat or cold packs to the jaw area as needed
Perform gentle jaw exercises as recommended by your healthcare provider

How long does it take for TMJ ear pain to go away? The duration of TMJ-related ear pain can vary greatly. With proper treatment and management, some people experience relief within a few weeks, while others may require ongoing care for several months or longer.

The Importance of Proper Diagnosis and Treatment

Distinguishing between TMJ and ear infections is crucial for receiving appropriate and timely treatment. Misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary antibiotic use, which contributes to antibiotic resistance and doesn’t address the root cause of TMJ-related ear pain.

Furthermore, untreated TMJ disorders can lead to chronic pain, difficulty eating, and even changes in facial structure over time. By recognizing the signs of TMJ and seeking proper treatment, you can prevent these long-term complications and improve your overall quality of life.

Can TMJ cause permanent ear damage? While TMJ itself is unlikely to cause permanent ear damage, chronic pain and inflammation can lead to long-term discomfort and potentially affect your hearing if left untreated. This underscores the importance of addressing TMJ symptoms promptly and effectively.

In conclusion, if you’re experiencing persistent ear pain that doesn’t seem to fit the profile of a typical ear infection, consider the possibility of TMJ. By understanding the differences between these conditions and seeking appropriate care, you can find relief and prevent future complications. Remember, your dentist or a TMJ specialist can be a valuable resource in diagnosing and treating TMJ-related ear pain, helping you regain comfort and function in your daily life.

Is Your Ear Pain an Infection or TMJ?

TMJ is sometimes called “the great imposter” because it shares so many symptoms with other conditions. That’s partly because TMJ symptoms are so numerous, diverse, and widespread that it’s hard to see them as connected with each other or with your jaw joint.

One common confusion is that people with TMJ may think they just have an ear infection. Ear symptoms are common in TMJ– nearly 80% of people with TMJ report ear symptoms. But if you have symptoms of ear infection that recur, persist, or don’t respond to usual treatment, you should consider that you might have TMJ.

Ear Infections Are Uncommon with Adults

Ear infections are common in children. Most likely, a child has some form of illness, like a cold or flu, which then spreads to the middle ear. Viruses or bacteria reproduce in the middle ear, and they, along with your body’s immune response, create swelling and excess fluid that can lead to clogging of the narrow passage.

Ear infections are more common among children with poorly developed immune systems and narrow ear passages. Adults are unlikely to experience ear infections, even if they got ear infections commonly as a child.

Overlapping Symptoms

When the middle ear gets clogged, people may experience many symptoms that can be common with TMJ. People with both conditions may experience a variety of ear-related symptoms, such as:

Ear pain
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Sensations of ear fullness
Diminished hearing
Headaches

With all these symptoms in common, it’s not surprising that people might confuse the two conditions. Especially if you have a history of ear infections, you might jump to the conclusion that you have another ear infection.

But it’s important to look for symptoms that can distinguish between these two conditions.

Distinguishing Conditions

If you have an ear infection, you’ll know it because:

You are recovering from a recent illness
You have a fever or localized warmth in the ear
There’s discharge coming from your ear

If you haven’t been sick recently–or aren’t sick now–then you probably don’t have an ear infection. Fever is a dead giveaway of some kind of infection. TMJ won’t cause discharge from your ears, so that’s a definite sign of an infection. Remember: discharge may come from your outer ear or through your eustachian tubes.

But TMJ is more likely if:

Your doctor says you don’t have an ear infection
The symptoms don’t resolve on their own
The symptoms don’t respond to antibiotics
You have other TMJ symptoms like jaw sounds or tooth wear
Your symptoms seem to flare up after intense jaw activity

If you think you have an infection, you may not go to a doctor because viral infections tend to clear up on their own. But if symptoms persist and your doctor either clears you or gives you medication that doesn’t help,it’s time to consider that TMJ may be the cause of your ear symptoms.

This is when you should consider what other TMJ symptoms you may have. Jaw sounds, jaw pain, and tooth wear are all clear indicators that TMJ could be causing your problem. Another giveaway is that your symptoms come on when you work your jaw hard. This may be chewing a tough meal, talking a lot, talking loudly, or clenching your teeth due to stress.

If this sounds like your ear symptoms, then it’s time to talk to a TMJ dentist like Dr. Chris Hill in St. Louis. Please call (314) 678-7876 (Downtown St. Louis) or (314) 678-7876 (Clayton) today to schedule an appointment at City Smiles.

How TMJ And Ear Pain Are Related And Treated

What is The TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the bone that forms the side of the skull (temporal bone) and the lower jawbone (mandible), which is near your ear. This joint enables you to move your jaw forward, backward, and side-to-side. The main signs of TMJ disorder are a painful jaw and limited movement in the area.

TMJ Disorders

Although the causes of TMJ disorders are often unclear, discomfort in this joint can be caused by an injury to the jaw, arthritis, teeth grinding, excessive gum chewing, or a misaligned bite. There are three main types of TMJ disorders:

Myofascial pain: This is the most common type of TMJ disorder. It is marked by deep, aching pain in the muscles of the joint.
Internal derangement of the joint: This is associated with a dislocated joint or trauma to the jaw.
Degenerative disease: Arthritis is a type of degenerative joint disorder that can affect the TMJ.

TMJ Pain Characteristics

TMJ pain may be a dull, ongoing irritation or a sharp, searing pain. This discomfort may be more apparent when you move your jaw to talk, chew, swallow, or yawn. In addition to experiencing ear and jaw pain, you might also feel soreness along the side of your head, neck, temple, cheek, face, lower jaw, and teeth. Other common symptoms of TMJ also include:

A clicking/popping sound when opening the mouth
Locking of the joint
Difficulty opening the mouth
Ringing sound in the ear

Remember to consult with your doctor if your aching ear is companied by any of these symptoms.

Why TMJ Ear Pain Occurs

An aching ear is a common symptom for people with a TMJ disorder. Because the TMJ is near the auditory canal, pain and inflammation in this joint can affect the ear. A ringing sound in the ear, also known as tinnitus, is often a part of TMJ ear pain. An ENT specialist can examine your hearing and eardrum to determine if your earache is related to the TMJ.

What Are the Treatment Options?

Treatment for disorders of the TMJ depends on the cause and severity. If you are experiencing mild pain, your doctor may recommend some of these self-care remedies to reduce soreness and tension in the joint:

Eat soft-foods
Try relaxation techniques
Do TMJ stretches and exercises
Avoid chewing gum
Avoid clenching or tensing your jaw
Apply moist heat to the area

Anti-inflammatory medication and muscle relaxants can also help to relieve tenderness. A mouthguard may be a treatment option if your TMJ pain is caused by teeth grinding; this will prevent damage to the joint. Orthodontic appliances are a great way to correct the upper and lower teeth, as misalignment can result in problems with the temporomandibular joint.

Finding the cause of your ear pain is important because it will lead to getting the correct care. If your earache is a sign of TMJ disorder, the good news is that you can reduce pain and discomfort with a few lifestyle changes. Incorporate breathing exercises to assist with relaxation, which can ease tension on the joint. Speak with your dentist or orthodontist if your TMJ pain is related to an incorrect bite.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

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Temporomandibular Joint and Tinnitus – Tinnitus Neuro-Tinnitus Treatment

17
Apr
2019

17 Apr 2019 News, Causes of subjective tinnitus ah, in evidence not needs. The same goes for neck problems. Tinnitus is often caused by injuries to the jaw and neck, which we successfully ignore in our youth. But then, when talking, chewing, turning and tilting the head begin to cause tinnitus, many seek medical help. And they do exactly the right thing. Modern medicine has many opportunities to save such patients from annoying and annoying tinnitus.

Contents of the article:

1 Features of the TMJ
2 How does the pathology of the TMJ manifest itself?
- 2.1 Diagnosis: where and by whom?
3 How to treat?
4 Neck problems and tinnitus

TMJ features

The temporomandibular joint is a complex articulation that allows the jaw to move not only up and down, but also sideways. In addition, it is controlled by the most powerful muscles of the human body – chewing.

Problems with it can be different:

dislocation of the fibrous disc inside the articular cavity;
injury of articular surfaces;
excessive muscular effort applied to the jaw;
arthritis, as a manifestation of systemic pathology and arthrosis, as a result of wear and tear of the joint;
infectious processes spreading to the TMJ from the ENT organs, the mastoid process.

How does TMJ pathology manifest itself?

Typical symptoms for the problems listed above are pain when opening the mouth and tinnitus. The reason for the first is clear: swelling of the capsule, friction of the articular heads. As for tinnitus, things are a bit more complicated here.

First, the masticatory muscles are located next to the muscle fibers that control the structures of the middle ear. Therefore, the excessive tone of the masticatory muscles affects hearing, contributes to the appearance of tinnitus.

Secondly, in the pathology of the TMJ, small ligaments that go from the joint to the auditory ossicles of the middle ear may be involved in the process. Comments are superfluous.

Thirdly, the nerve centers that control the work of the temporomandibular joint are closely connected with the parts of the brain responsible for hearing and interpreting sounds. If one system suffers, then the function of the second is also impaired.

In addition, when a joint is dysfunctional, it starts making sounds on its own.

And quite characteristic: clicking with each opening and closing of the mouth, creaking, even grinding. Very annoying and stressful condition.

Diagnostics: where and who?

For most patients, it is enough to see a dentist. But it is also worth preparing for instrumental additional examination: X-ray, CT, and sometimes MRI.

In modern conditions, it is even possible to do arthroscopy: to examine the state of the temporomandibular joint with the help of a microcamera inserted into its cavity.

How to treat?

In many cases, TMJ problems are helped by simple recommendations:

switch to a soft food diet;
relaxation exercises for chewing muscles;
use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
people with bruxism (teeth grinding at night) should have a special mouth guard fitted.

But sometimes, in order for the noise to finally subside, one has to resort to surgery and even prosthetics of individual structures of the joint.

Neck problems and tinnitus

The cervical spine is very vulnerable, especially in case of an accident. It is also prone to inflammation and osteochondrosis.
Regarding common diseases of the cervical region, we have a separate article on our website (opens in a new tab).

Read about the pathology of the cervical spine

Tinnitus associated with neck pathology is often accompanied by psycho-emotional disorders (depression), cognitive (poor memory, difficulty concentrating) and somatic (dizziness) disorders.

Naturally, in order to help such patients get rid of tinnitus, it is necessary to establish the source of the problem as accurately as possible, for which the entire arsenal of techniques (X-ray, CT, MRI) is used. And only after a complete examination, it is possible to draw up an algorithm for the treatment of a particular patient.

The Tinnitus Neuro clinic has everything you need for professional assistance to people with cervicogenic tinnitus: call us 8-495-374-92-03 or contact us through the website.

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Tinnitus and TMJ

2020-11-02T11:06:09+03:00

Have you ever experienced a noise or buzzing in your ears that only you can hear? This perception of sound can manifest itself and disturb in different ways. If you have been to many ENT specialists and they cannot find the cause, then you should look at the TMJ, as one of the causes of tinnitus is the underlying disorder of the TMJ (TMJ dysfunction).

TMJ is often referred to as the “great impostor” because its symptoms can mimic those of many other diseases. Until recently, these seemingly unrelated symptoms were misdiagnosed as migraine, tension headache, neuritis, neuralgia, or stress, or not diagnosed at all. When the standard treatments for these types of disorders proved unsuccessful, the patients were listed as hypochondriacs or neurotics.

Very often the “great impostor” TMJ causes ear pain under the guise of an ear infection. These patients often have no evidence of primary ear pathology, but they may experience pain or buzzing in the ears that persists even after successful treatment of the ear infection. Historically, TMJ dysfunction has been closely associated with otolaryngology. One of the earliest credible studies describing TMJ dysfunction was published in 1934 by otolaryngologist James B. Costen. He established TMJ dysfunction as a differential diagnosis to be considered in the presence of otalgia (pain in the ears). Today, some medical practitioners in the healthcare community recognize that these often unexplained, undiagnosed, and therefore untreated symptoms are related to a group of problems called temporomandibular disorders.

It is important to know that the masticatory muscles are located next to some muscles that are inserted into the middle ear and therefore can affect hearing. This may contribute to or exacerbate pre-existing tinnitus. Secondly, there may be a direct connection between the ligaments that attach to the jaw and one of the auditory bones, which is located in the middle ear. Finally, the nerve supply from the TMJ has been shown to be associated with parts of the brain that are associated with both hearing and interpreting sound.

Many patients with temporomandibular disorder and associated tinnitus find that treatment for TMJ dysfunction improves or eliminates their tinnitus in combination with other symptoms of the dysfunction.

If you experience tinnitus, you may have other symptoms:

• neck, shoulder, lower back pain
• dizziness
• ear pain
• ear congestion
• hearing loss
• sinus pain
• sore throat
• migraines and headaches
• pain in the face and eyes

If your TMJ is not properly positioned, the trigeminal nerve can cause tinnitus and buzzing, as well as ear pain. It may not actually be an ear infection, but simply an irritation caused by your trigeminal nerve activity.

One of these muscles goes to the tympanic membrane and is called the tympanic tensor. It can create a noise tone by stretching the eardrum. Other muscles are the muscles of the jaw (masticatory and medial pterygoid muscles) they share the same trigeminal nerve connections.

In addition, people with tinnitus often have higher rates of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Constant tinnitus can also lead to sleep disturbances that only worsen mental stress and increase anxiety.