What are the common symptoms of TMJ disorder. How does TMJ affect daily life. What treatments are available for TMJ sufferers. Can TMJ cause headaches and facial pain. Is there a link between TMJ and tinnitus. How is TMJ diagnosed and treated by specialists. What lifestyle changes can help manage TMJ symptoms.

Understanding TMJ Disorder: More Than Just Jaw Pain

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a complex condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While many associate TMJ solely with jaw pain, its impact extends far beyond the jaw area, often leading to a cascade of symptoms that can significantly impact one’s quality of life.

TMJ disorders occur when there’s a problem with the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. This joint acts like a sliding hinge, playing a crucial role in everyday activities such as speaking, chewing, and yawning. When this joint is compromised, it can lead to a variety of symptoms that may seem unrelated at first glance.

Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Difficulty or discomfort when chewing
• Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw joint
• Facial pain
• Earaches
• Headaches
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Limited jaw movement or locking

It’s important to note that TMJ symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. Some individuals may experience only mild discomfort, while others may suffer from debilitating pain that affects their daily activities.

The Surprising Link Between TMJ and Headaches

One of the most common and often misunderstood symptoms of TMJ disorder is headaches. Many TMJ sufferers experience frequent headaches that are often misdiagnosed as migraines or tension headaches.

How does TMJ cause headaches? The connection lies in the complex network of muscles, nerves, and blood vessels in the head and neck region. When the jaw joint is misaligned or inflamed, it can put pressure on surrounding structures, leading to tension in the muscles of the face, head, and neck. This tension can trigger headaches that range from mild to severe.

Characteristics of TMJ-Related Headaches

• Pain that often starts in the jaw or face and radiates to the head
• Headaches that worsen with jaw movement
• Pain that is often accompanied by jaw clicking or popping
• Tension in the temples or behind the eyes
• Headaches that are resistant to typical pain medications

If you’re experiencing recurrent headaches along with other TMJ symptoms, it’s crucial to consult with a TMJ specialist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Facial Pain: A Hallmark Symptom of TMJ Disorder

Facial pain is another prevalent symptom of TMJ disorder that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. This pain can manifest in various ways and intensities, often leading to confusion and misdiagnosis.

What causes facial pain in TMJ disorder? The primary culprit is often muscle tension and inflammation in the jaw and surrounding areas. When the TMJ is misaligned or inflamed, it can cause the muscles in the face to work overtime, leading to strain and pain.

Types of Facial Pain Associated with TMJ

• Dull, aching pain in the cheeks
• Sharp, shooting pain along the jawline
• Tenderness around the temples
• Pain that radiates from the jaw to the neck or shoulders
• Burning sensation in the face

It’s worth noting that facial pain caused by TMJ can sometimes mimic other conditions, such as sinus infections or dental problems. This is why a comprehensive evaluation by a TMJ specialist is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Tinnitus and TMJ: An Unexpected Connection

Tinnitus, often described as a ringing or buzzing in the ears, is a symptom that many wouldn’t immediately associate with TMJ disorder. However, research has shown a surprising link between the two conditions.

How can TMJ cause tinnitus? The connection lies in the proximity of the temporomandibular joint to the inner ear structures. When the TMJ is misaligned or inflamed, it can put pressure on the auditory nerves and blood vessels, potentially leading to tinnitus symptoms.

Characteristics of TMJ-Related Tinnitus

• Ringing, buzzing, or clicking sounds in the ears
• Sounds that may change in intensity with jaw movement
• Tinnitus accompanied by ear pain or fullness
• Symptoms that worsen with stress or jaw clenching

If you’re experiencing tinnitus along with other TMJ symptoms, it’s important to mention this to your healthcare provider or TMJ specialist. Treating the underlying TMJ disorder may help alleviate tinnitus symptoms in some cases.

Diagnosing TMJ Disorder: A Multifaceted Approach

Given the wide range of symptoms associated with TMJ disorder, diagnosing this condition requires a comprehensive approach. TMJ specialists like Dr. Larson in Charlotte utilize a combination of methods to accurately diagnose TMJ disorders.

Common Diagnostic Tools for TMJ

• Physical examination of the jaw and surrounding muscles
• Detailed medical history
• Imaging tests (X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs)
• Bite analysis
• Assessment of jaw movement and function

Why is a comprehensive diagnosis important for TMJ? Because the symptoms of TMJ can overlap with other conditions, a thorough evaluation helps rule out other potential causes and ensures that the treatment plan addresses the root cause of the problem.

Treatment Options for TMJ Disorder: From Conservative to Advanced

The good news for TMJ sufferers is that there are numerous treatment options available, ranging from simple lifestyle changes to more advanced interventions. The most appropriate treatment plan will depend on the severity of the condition and the individual’s specific symptoms.

Conservative Treatment Options

• Jaw exercises and physical therapy
• Stress management techniques
• Dietary modifications (soft foods, avoiding chewy foods)
• Use of hot or cold packs
• Over-the-counter pain medications

Advanced Treatment Options

• Custom-fitted oral appliances
• Botox injections to relax jaw muscles
• Prescription medications
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• In severe cases, surgical interventions

What makes TMJ treatment effective? The key lies in a personalized approach that addresses the specific needs and symptoms of each individual. A TMJ specialist like Dr. Larson can develop a tailored treatment plan that combines various therapies for optimal results.

Living with TMJ: Lifestyle Changes and Self-Care Strategies

While professional treatment is often necessary for managing TMJ disorder, there are several lifestyle changes and self-care strategies that can complement medical interventions and provide relief.

Effective Self-Care Strategies for TMJ

• Practice good posture to reduce strain on the jaw and neck
• Avoid excessive gum chewing or biting on hard objects
• Use relaxation techniques to reduce jaw tension
• Apply moist heat or ice packs to the jaw area
• Perform gentle jaw stretches and exercises as recommended by a specialist

How can lifestyle changes impact TMJ symptoms? By reducing stress on the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, these changes can help alleviate pain and improve overall jaw function. Consistency is key when implementing these strategies for long-term relief.

The Importance of Seeking Professional Help for TMJ

While it’s common to experience occasional jaw discomfort or headaches, persistent symptoms should not be ignored. Seeking professional help from a TMJ specialist like Dr. Larson in Charlotte can make a significant difference in managing the condition and preventing further complications.

Benefits of Consulting a TMJ Specialist

• Accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause of symptoms
• Access to advanced treatment options
• Personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs
• Ongoing support and management of the condition
• Prevention of potential complications

Why is early intervention important for TMJ disorder? Because TMJ disorders can be progressive, early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the condition from worsening and potentially causing long-term damage to the jaw joint and surrounding structures.

Living with TMJ disorder can be challenging, but with the right approach and professional guidance, it’s possible to manage symptoms effectively and improve quality of life. If you’re experiencing persistent jaw pain, headaches, or any of the symptoms discussed in this article, don’t hesitate to reach out to a TMJ specialist. Remember, you don’t have to suffer in silence – help is available to guide you towards a pain-free future.

DO I HAVE TMJ DISORDER?

It’s normal to feel your jaw pop every once in awhile, even to hear a click or two in your ear, or feel some discomfort in your head, neck, or shoulders after a long day. However, severe and constant facial pain, stiff and clicking jaw movements, earaches, chronic migraines, pain biting or chewing, constant sore muscles in your upper body, or extremely sensitive teeth that seem to have an off bite is not normal, and no one should have to live with these uncomfortable and inhibiting conditions. Does this lifestyle sound familiar? If so, then you might be one of the many unsuspecting TMJ sufferers, and should consider the help of Charlotte area TMJ expert, Dr. Larson.

​

TMJ disorders are often progressive and can eventually cause extreme and persistent pain. Although TMJ is a disorder in the jaw, the symptoms of the disorder often carry into many other parts of the face, upper body, and even hands and fingertips. TMJ symptoms often lead professionals to misdiagnose patients, as these symptoms can often imitate those of other disorders in their range and complexity. Don’t let yourself be fooled! Charlotte area TMJ expert Dr. Larson has years of hands on experience and training in diagnosing and treating TMJ, and can quickly assess your condition(s) and design a plan to reduce or eliminate years of discomfort and jaw and facial pain dysfunction.

Headaches

We’ve all been there before—a nagging, throbbing headache, yet again. And, while we have all experienced a headache at some point in our lives, it doesn’t mean you need to just sit back and accept the pain. While you already know what a headache is and how it feels, let’s take a closer look at headache signs and symptoms:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Pain in the eyes when looking into lights

• Dizziness

• Vertigo

• Tenderness of the scalp

• Tightness sensation in the head

• Stroke

• Pain on one side or both sides of your head

• Pain that feels like a throbbing or pulsing sensation

• Blurred vision

• Lightheadedness

• Sensitivity to sound

​

Jaw & Facial Pain

Similar to headaches, the exact cause of facial pain appears to be unknown. However, there are some working theories that might help to explain the symptoms of facial pain. One underlying cause appears to be muscle injury or repetitive strain, which activate facial trigger points. Another cause might also be psychological stressors and physical strain because both can increase muscle tension along fibers referred to as the taut band, which is a hardened ropelike stretch of muscle fibers in which triggers are present. Lastly, facial pain might originate from postural stressors, such as poor body posture while sitting at a desk, which is held for prolonged periods of time.

​

When a trigger point within the muscle is activated, the muscle fibers contract, which results in a sensation from trigger point activation that may take the form of referred pain, or pain in an area other than the point of origin. For example, a trigger in the trapezius muscle, which helps raise the shoulder, can shoot pain up the shoulder to the neck and head, and can be experienced as a headache.

​

Tinnitus (Ringing In Your Ears)

The inner ear contains a small structure known as the labyrinth that is a crucial part of the body’s balance, or vestibular, system. The vestibular system also includes the eyes, nerves, bones, and joints. The labyrinth contains fluid that moves around as you move, helping to send signals to the brain about balance and the body’s position. When any part of the vestibular system is disrupted, including the labyrinth, the brain receives mixed signals that can cause a feeling of dizziness or vertigo.

​

It so happens that the labyrinth is located in your temporal bone in your head – and your TMJ attaches to the skull at the temporal bone as well. So, when misalignment or inflammation from TMD occurs, the fluid in the labyrinth can be disrupted, and its important signals become unclear.

Tinnitus is commonly described as a ringing in the ears, but some people also hear it as a roaring, clicking, hissing or buzzing. It may be soft or loud, and it might affect both of your ears or only one. For some people, it’s a minor annoyance. For others, it can interfere with sleep and grow to be a source of mental and emotional anguish.

​

Those who suffer from Tinnitus have also been known to say the noise sounds like hissing, roaring, buzzing or clicking. The pain may be worsened or relieved by opening the jaw. The sounds can be soft or incredibly loud and the case can range from mild to severe. The more severe cases have been known to keep people up at night and cause a significant deal of frustration. These noises can be heard in either both ears or just one; it depends on the case. There is no set length for those who suffer from Tinnitus. The noises can last months, years or a lifetime. However, Tinnitus has been known to be a common side effect from those who suffer from TMJ Disorder (TMJ/TMD), or in long form: Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction.

​

How TMJ and Tinnitus Are Connected

Tinnitus has been known to be a symptom of TMJ in many cases. These two are commonly experienced by the same individuals. The eardrum is located very close to the temporomandibular joint, which is the main joint at issue in cases of TMD. If the temporomandibular joint becomes inflamed, it can affect the eardrum. The inflammation of the joint can affect the stabilization of the eardrum, which can cause the pain and noise associated with Tinnitus.

​

Vertigo & Dizziness

TMJ or TMD is often called “the great impostor” because it can cause many symptoms that seem completely unrelated to your bite, such as vertigo. Vertigo is when you feel dizzy or off balance because the entire world seems to be moving when it’s not. A poorly aligned jaw can put pressure on the balance organs in your inner ear, reducing their ability to function and causing vertigo or dizziness.

​

How TMJ Causes Dizziness and Vertigo

The vestibular system of your inner ear is located in your temporal bone, which is also where your jaw bone attaches to the skull. When your jaw is out of balance, it can put excessive force on this bone and lead to a misalignment of the vestibular system. This will cause it to give incorrect, conflicting signals to the brain about your balance, leading to dizziness or feelings of vertigo.

​

If you are suffering from vertigo there may be an underlying cause that isn’t so obvious. The health of your jaw joint (TMJ) and your bite (occlusion). When issues arise with either of these two things it can result in a temporomandibular joint disorder or dysfunction. Research has shown that there may be a correlation between TMJ and Vertigo which helps in resolving some cases by treating your misaligned bite and reducing tension in the connected jaw muscles.

​

Successful TMJ Treatment for Dizziness and Vertigo

Meniere’s disease is a known ear condition named for the French physician Prosper Meniere, who discovered it in 1861. Meniere’s disease affects the functioning of the inner ear, causing symptoms commonly seen in TMJ as well: dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus, stuffiness, or ear pain. If a person is diagnosed with Meniere’s disease, they are often told there is no cure to the condition.

​

However, TMJ treatment can resolve these symptoms and has been known to cure several cases diagnosed as Meniere’s disease. This shows how important it is to get a second opinion when you’ve been told you have a chronic, incurable condition, such as Meniere’s disease.

TMJ is a disorder that progresses over time, and may affect each and every patient differently. TMJ is, consequently, a disorder difficult to diagnose, and especially difficult to recognize without the help of Charlotte area TMJ specialist Dr. Larson.

​

If you suffer from persistent jaw pain, regular and uncomfortable clicking and popping in your jaw and ear, chronic head, neck, or shoulder pain, vertigo, an uneven bite, recurring “lock jaw,” or any combination of these uncomfortable symptoms, it’s time to seek the help of Dr. Larson. Because TMJ often disguises itself through its complex and controversial symptoms, it’s important to trust a TMJ specialist with years of experience for your diagnosis and treatment.

​

If left untreated, TMJ can severely affect muscles, nerves and blood vessels running through your jaw. In order to correct TMJ before it becomes a problem that controls your life, TMJ specialist Dr. Larson will carefully review your medical history to create a customized treatment plan to reduce or eliminate your pain. Don’t live with the discomfort of TMJ! Contact Dr. Larson to improve your quality of life in as little as one visit.

How Are TMJ And Dizziness Connected?

Top Articles

More Articles

Published date field
Last Updated:

Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications

Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jaw to your skull, helps accomplish essential tasks, like speaking, chewing, and swallowing. When something goes wrong with your TMJ, you may experience some painful or uncomfortable symptoms. Dizziness is one symptom of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) in the joint or surrounding area that can cause concern. Learn about the relationship between TMD and dizziness and how to stop it.

How Are TMJ and Dizziness Connected?

Patients diagnosed with a TMJ disorder (TMD) may experience dizziness or an uncomfortable whirling sensation called vertigo. Classic vertigo symptoms also include:

• Mental disorientation
• Confusion
• Nausea and vomiting in intense situations
• The sensation that objects are moving
• Feeling of falling
• Difficulty balancing
• Lightheadedness

These symptoms connect to the vestibular system, which includes the parts of the inner ear and nervous system that help control balance and eye movements. The inner ear contains sensors that monitor your physical position in space and your body’s response to gravity. These sensors transmit signals to the brain’s centers called vestibular nuclei, which then notify the eye muscles, arms and legs to make adjustments needed to remain upright and balanced.

When these signals are hindered or transmitted inaccurately, the body’s adjustments are inadequate and result in difficulty balancing. Although the connection between TMDs and otological symptoms like vertigo is not yet fully understood, some explain the correlation by the anatomical and structural proximity to the middle and inner ear. The TMJ region’s inflammation could affect the vestibular nuclei and interrupt the signals, putting patients with TMD off-balance.

How to Stop TMJ Dizziness

The exact causes of your TMJ dysfunction — or TMD — are often tricky to identify unless you have an apparent injury or trauma to the jaw. Start by making a list of all your symptoms to take with you to your primary care physician or dental professional. This list will help the medical practitioner determine whether TMD is the cause of your dizziness. Other signs you might have TMD include:

• Pain and tenderness
• A clicking sound just in front of your ears where the condyles are situated
• Popping or grating sounds when you move the jaw
• Difficulty opening and closing your jaw

The medical practitioner will examine your jaw, the joint, and surrounding muscles to identify pain and listen for sounds while moving the joint. X-rays are not usually needed unless the practitioner suspects an underlying issue could be affecting your jaw, such as arthritis.

Unless you are experiencing a lot of pain, try some self-care strategies at home to reduce your dizziness. Start by addressing any TMJ pain or problems directly, such as applying a heat or ice pack to the affected jaw area at intervals. Rest the joint by eating soft foods and avoiding extreme movements, such as chewing gum, yawning widely, or talking loudly. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can also decrease the inflammation, while relaxing and avoiding stress may reduce dizziness. OTC medications also exist to help specifically with vertigo or dizziness.

At worst, your TMJ disorder and dizziness put you at risk of falling and sustaining injuries while you’re off-balance. Beyond that, the dizziness is merely a symptom. Once your physician or dentist identifies the cause of your TMD, they can work together to treat the condition and all of its symptoms.

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.

Was this article helpful?

Like

Neutral

Thank you for submitting your feedback!

If you’d like a response, Contact Us.

Medical Corner – GAPOU SB “Verkhneturinsk Mechanical College” – Page #4

A standard set of exercises for the eyes when working at a computer

Eyes are one of the main sense organs. Therefore, any problems associated with them greatly affect the comfort and activity of a person. In the modern world, there are too many factors that contribute to eye irritation and put a lot of stress on them. One of them is a computer. Breaks are needed to relieve stress, otherwise serious illnesses may develop. Special gymnastics for the eyes will help you relax and maintain your eyesight.

April 22, 2020 –
Belousov M.

| 940 views

Tags: exercises, technical school, prevention, precautions, vision, health, eyes, vtmt, safety

About the basic principles of quarantine at home

. In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 further, citizens who had contact with sick people or those who returned from a trip or were on a business trip should report their return to the coronavirus infection control headquarters in your region and observe quarantine at home 14 days. If you have been in countries affected by COVID-19together with friends or family, you can observe a joint two-week quarantine in the same room or apartment.

April 1, 2020 –
Belousov M.

| 921 views

Tags: technical school, prevention, precautions, coronavirus, quarantine, health, tmt, security, covid-19

About the disinfection of mobile devices

places), can be one of the main sources of bacteria and viruses – the causative agents of a wide variety of infections. Why is this happening?

April 1, 2020 –
Belousov M.

| 629 views

Tags: technical school, prevention, precautions, coronavirus, quarantine, health, tmt, safety, covid-19

About the use of reusable and disposable masks materials. At the same time, these masks are not a medical product and are not accompanied by instructions for use.

April 1, 2020 –
Belousov M.

| 675 views

Tags: technical school, prevention, precautions, coronavirus, quarantine, health, tmt, safety, covid-19

7 steps to prevent coronavirus infection

7 steps to prevent coronavirus infection

April 1, 2020 –
Belousov M.

| 619 views

Tags: college, prevention, precautions, coronavirus, quarantine, health, tmt, safety, covid-19

General information about coronavirus infection 2019-nCov

Coronavirus infection is an acute viral disease with a primary lesion of the upper respiratory tract. Ways of transmission: airborne (isolation of the virus when coughing, sneezing, talking), airborne, contact. Main symptoms: fever > 90% of cases; cough (dry or with a small amount of sputum) in 80% of cases; feeling of tightness in the chest in > 20% of cases; shortness of breath in 15% of cases; diarrhea, nausea; headache.

April 1, 2020 –
Belousov M.

| 728 views

Tags: college, prevention, precautions, coronavirus, quarantine, health, tmt, safety, covid-19

Influenza, coronavirus, other SARS

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that primarily infect animals, but in some cases can be transmitted to humans. Usually, diseases caused by coronaviruses are mild and do not cause severe symptoms. However, there are also severe forms, such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars).

February 17, 2020 –
Belousov M.

| 975 views

Tags: technical school, students, prevention, health care, SARS, coronavirus, health, protection, flu, tmt, upper tour quite contagious (contagious). In ARVI – acute respiratory viral infections of non-influenza etiology, the disease develops gradually, most often begins with fatigue and a runny nose, dry cough, which then turns into a wet one.

September 19, 2019 –
Belousov M.

| 695 views

Tags: prevention, vaccination, ARVI, health, influenza, VTMT

Children and drugs: what parents need to know

Sometimes it suddenly turns out that a well-bred smart child from a good family has been using drugs for a long time. “How did it happen? So what’s now?” parents ask themselves.

May 15, 2019 –
Belousov M.

| 887 views

Tags: parents, drugs, control, health, protection

December 1 – World AIDS Day

The population of Russia is more than 146 million people. Of these, more than 900,000 people are living with HIV. Every hour in Russia, 10 people are infected. More than 500 children in the Sverdlovsk region live with a diagnosis of HIV infection. More than 9,750 HIV-infected people died from HIV infection. Let’s stop AIDS together! Get tested for HIV!

November 30, 2018 –
Belousov M.

| 947 views

Tags: test, AIDS, health, protection, hiv, wrestling

VTM in world cinema (from personal observations).

Yes, I also downloaded “Clan” about half a year ago and got inspired. It’s just a dream of youth;))

“Clan” – is it “Kindred”? Father Tomaso claims that in the Russian translation it sounds like “The Terrified”. Or are you talking about the game? 🙂 When I was young, my knowledge of VTM was limited to Robert McCammon’s book “Vampires of Los Angeles”, which, as time has shown, I pretty much made up myself. ..

he is the most. I don’t know how it is with the Russian translation, but ten years ago on NTV (it seems) it went with just that name.
and the book is also good, yes;) and Valeggio’s paintings were stuffed into the publication from the heart, which aggravated the effect at that time;)))

Apparently, we had the same book :)) Then I saw it in another edition and under the other title “They Thirst”. The translation was terrible and thank God that it was the version with Valeggio’s pictures that fell into my hands first. I redrawn one of them, hung it on the wall above the bed and meditated on it during the long winter evenings :))

I love the Queen of the Damned, I really like the interview with the vampire. Underdeword did not please, somehow primitively. Until today, I thought that Gangrel is also a clan of vampires 🙁 do they have a roof on the side absolutely?0005

In general, you need to read books, if the characters in them retain all their charm inherent in Interview with a Vampire and the Queen, then reading will be interesting. (Downloaded Vampire Lestat, I’ll check it out later.)

There has been some confusion between Gangrel and Garou. 🙂

In general, clans differ not only and not so much in curses, but in what is the main driving force in their unlife (or after death). Lestat and Armand are Toreador due to the fact that, first of all, they are driven by love for beauty. They care about power, the search for God, nature, justice, etc., they love art, sophistication, a beautiful life.
For Lasombra, in the first place, not that they are refined, but that they are monsters. They seek meaning in life after death; they believe that they became monsters not by chance, but by the will of God. Why he did this, many Lasombra interpret in different ways, but everyone takes the will of God very seriously and tries to comply.

Yes, I agree, Arman is also a bullfighter. And Garou is a French singer who Quasimodo played with Cocciante with Plamondon :))

Yeah, I didn’t get to his concert in the Kremlin Palace. toad pay (not I grew up to 100k for a concert), but I did not find others.

Dracula is a cutie just in the movie “Van Helsing”. The plot there is bad, the nonsense about the insectomorphic children of Dracula looks especially outrageous, but he himself, oh, what a charming devil!

And then there is the cult anime “Hellsing” about anti-vampire special forces – this is a must-see for everyone who is not indifferent to the role of vampires in the life of mankind.