Jaw pain isn’t the only symptom TMJ dysfunction can cause

It can make it harder to enjoy eating. Talking can become a painful experience. Even normally positive actions like smiling could be something you begin to avoid. All these negative effects on your daily life can happen if you have jaw pain from temporomandibular joint dysfunction. 

Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull, and it can be a primary source of jaw pain. The exact cause of TMJ pain varies, but most causes are lumped under a condition called TMJ dysfunction. Some common causes of this issue include arthritis, poor posture, crooked teeth, genetics or traumatic injury. People who grind their teeth in their sleep are also at risk for developing TMJ dysfunction.

TMJ dysfunction-related jaw pain is usually manageable with nonsurgical procedures and treatments, such as physical therapy. In extreme cases that require surgery, physical therapy may help with recovery.

Symptoms that TMJ dysfunction can cause besides jaw pain

Jaw pain can develop quickly or over time when you have TMJ dysfunction. If you experience one or more of the following symptoms, you should talk to a health care professional about treatments that may help reduce them:

• Constant aching in your jaw, especially near the ear
• Difficulty chewing
• Popping or clicking sounds when opening your mouth
• Aching across your entire face
• Dizziness and headaches

It’s important to note that sudden jaw pain can also appear as a symptom of a heart attack. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms as mentioned above along with the following, seek medical attention immediately:

• Chest pain
• Loss of breath
• Numbness and pain in the left arm
• Nausea

Visit Advent Physical Therapy for jaw pain treatment

Need to find effective physical therapy for jaw pain from TMJ dysfunction? Our team at Advent Physical Therapy is ready and able to assist you. During your appointment with us, your physical therapist will perform a free screening to examine the jaw and neck, including the TMJ and the muscles surrounding it. 

Your physical therapist will also ask you questions related to your pain and review your medical history. If it’s determined that the cause of your jaw pain is related to crooked or misaligned teeth, he or she may recommend consulting a dentist as well.

Once a diagnosis has been made, your physical therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan for you. Usually, this plan consists of manual therapy to stretch muscles and help reduce pain. You will also likely receive instructions on exercises and stretches to perform at home. It’s important that you follow these instructions to get the best results.

Contact our team today for more information about how we can treat your jaw pain or to schedule your initial appointment.