Swelling, jaw, and tooth pain on the side of the face due to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can be stressful, making you struggle while speaking and chewing. As a result, your confidence and self-esteem when addressing a congregation in public may deteriorate. Various people with Springfield TMJ disorder fail to detect symptoms of this condition early, making them fail to receive timely treatment. If you are one of them, do not worry because this article has got you covered. The following are some early symptoms of TMJ disorder you should understand.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus or ear ringing is one of the early symptoms of TMJ disorder. This infection usually lasts for weeks and sometimes months. Even though it may not always cause pain, it can make you mad. Tinnitus can also prevent you from sleeping, make you irritable, and even knock you off balance. Thus, if you suspect having TMJ, you should see your dentist for further examination. Through the right diagnosis, your provider can offer medication to reduce tinnitus.
Neck Pain
Neck pain resulting from TMJ disorder may not improve even after visiting a chiropractor and undergoing CT scans or MRIs. These joints have the role of keeping your head balanced on the top of your spinal cord. Bad posture because of TMJ misalignment can cause your head weight to be unevenly distributed, putting added stress on the spine and neck. Since neck pain can be a symptom of several diseases, you should consult your doctor to confirm if TMJ is responsible for it.
Obstructed Airways
Since the tongue is connected to the lower jaw, the position of your language in your mouth depends on the jaw arrangement. Therefore, incorrect alignment of your lower jaw might cause your tongue to stay too far back in your mouth, obstructing your airways. A TMJ disorder may be responsible for breathing difficulties, especially when you are asleep. So, you should consult your professional about developing a treatment plan to manage your symptoms.
Dizziness
TMJ disrupts your vestibular system, which is crucial to your equilibrium and movement, leading to dizziness (vertigo). Its major component is the labyrinth found at the inner ear closer to the temporal bone that attaches your jaw joint to the skull. When the muscles around the jaw become irritated, it interferes with the labyrinth triggering dizziness. It is advisable to consult your healthcare provider if you suspect you have dizziness for examination and treatment.
Pinched Nerves
When the arrangement of your TMJ is twisted, your muscles tend to overwork to reimburse for the imbalance. Hence, your back becomes prone to this pain as it strains to maintain your body balance. This tension can cause numbness in your extremities. It might be TMJ disorder symptoms if you experience tingling sensations in your toes, legs, and fingers. Therefore, you should seek evaluation from your specialist to address your condition and prevent any possible threat.
TMJ disorder can lead to many symptoms that may cause bothersome experiences. While clicking and jaw pain are commonly known symptoms, it is necessary to know other potential signs, like shoulder and neck discomfort. Understanding these signs is vital as it helps you to seek treatment immediately. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to further complications and negatively impact your health. You should seek a correct diagnosis and proper treatment plan from a certified physician if you experience these symptoms. Being proactive and informed allows you to manage your TMJ disorder and ease your symptoms.
