We all know the old joke about someone’s jaw being sore from talking too much. Perhaps we know someone for whom this could actually be possible, as well …
But what if your jaw really is sore, or you hear clicking or popping noises when opening your mouth? Chances are it’s not from being overly verbose. It could be a symptom of “TMJ,” an acronym that commonly refers to problems of the jaw joint.
Officially, TMJ is an abbreviation for temporomandibular joints. These joints are located on both sides of the head, and are a ball-and-socket system that controls jaw movements connected with chewing and speaking. Several muscles and ligaments get in on the action, too.
TM joints are complex. Anything that interferes with their many connected parts can cause pain, sounds and other physical symptoms. Think sticking a metal rod into a gear system as a mechanical equivalent.
Pain in different areas – neck, ear, jaw, face or headaches – can be linked to TMJ problems. Popping or clicking, or inability to fully open or close the mouth, are symptoms. Teeth grinding can cause TMJ, so worn teeth or toothaches are indicators.
Injuries to the jaw or its surrounding muscles factor into TMJ problems. Diseases such as arthritis can play a role. Other demonstrated connections are jaw clenching, poor posture, high stress levels and aging.
Do any of these conditions sound familiar? You don’t have to live with TMJ pain or other related irritations. Dr. Hoffmann can help make these a part of your past. Our next post will examine the process of treating TMJ.
Saying goodbye to TMJ problems? Now that could be something worth talking about.
