Pain in the muscles and tissues that connect your lower jaw to your skull can be a symptom of a number of disorders called temporomandibular joint disorders, more commonly known as TMJ pain.
Each of us has two temporomandibular joints, one on either side of our heads. Normally they function painlessly because everything is in balance, but if the balance is thrown off by abnormal stresses to the neck, jaw, cartilage nerves, or teeth, then that can cause the chronic TMJ pain.
There are many things that can cause temporomandibular joint pain. Some are related to bad oral habits, such as clenching or grinding the teeth, excessively chewing gum, or popping the jaw. Other causes can be a dysfunctional bite, stress, poor diet and lack of exercise or sleep. Arthritis, fractures, and other structural problems can also contribute.
The symptoms of TMJ pain are varied and generally obvious. Symptoms can include discomfort and difficulty when biting or chewing, popping, grating, or clicking when opening and closing the mouth, a dull ache in the face, earaches or headaches, pain or stiffness in the jaw, or a change in how the teeth fit together.
If you have any of these symptoms, Dr. James Bieneman can help you. Call Craniofacial Pain Center Of Colorado in Arvada, Colorado, today to learn about your options for treating TMJ pain.
