TMJ pain is primarily felt on either side of your jaw. However, pain stemming from the TMJ can lead to pain in other areas such as headaches and/or neck pain. TMJ is an acronym for temporomandibular joint. Every person has two of them. In Pueblo, CO, TMJ is often treated by Dr. Elmer Villalon.
What is TMJ pain?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the connection on each side of your mouth where the lower jaw, the mandible, attaches to the temporal bone of the skull. This joint acts like a hinge in allowing the opening and closing of your mouth. An intraarticular disc helps to attach your lower and upper jaws. The joint itself is called a synovial joint, meaning it is surrounded by a fluid-filled capsule to allow for smooth movement of the jaw.
Often, people might say when discussing their jaw pain that "I have TMJ." Everyone does. Actually, every person has 2 of these joints. TMJ is simply the name of the joint.
What causes TMJ Disorder?
Frequently, the exact cause of your TMJ pain will not be known. Excessive strain on the joint in some fashion may lead to the TMJ failing to function as it normally should. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as:
- Teeth grinding or clenching known as Bruxism
- Dislocation of the intraarticular disc within the joint
- Trauma to the mouth/jaw or another injury to surrounding structures such as the neck, such as in whiplash
- Arthritis in the TMJ
- Stress, which often leads to clenching of the teeth
- Other conditions such as Fibromyalgia may contribute to your TMJ pain
What are the symptoms of TMJ disorder?
Pain in your jaw is the most frequent but is not the only symptom that you may experience as a result of a dysfunctional TMJ. Dr. Villalo will ask you about other TMJ symptoms in Pueblo, CO. These may be:
- Clicking when opening or closing the mouth, along with difficulty chewing
- Your jaw may get locked in the open or closed position
- Headaches
- Facial pain
- Facial swelling
- Neck pain
- Earaches
- Inability to fully open or close your mouth
- A different feeling when you bite down
- Pain in your teeth
How is TMJ diagnosed?
In order to properly diagnose the condition and the cause of it, x-rays of the full face will be needed. An MRI that looks more at soft tissue may also be required to view the positioning of the intraarticular disc and determine if it has been displaced.
Treat TMJ pain in Pueblo, CO with Dr. Villalon. Don't allow a nagging pain or discomfort in your jaw to progress to a more severe condition. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Villalon by calling 719-542-7844.