If you have pain in your head, neck, face, or even ringing in your ears, the source of the problem may be something you wouldn’t expect. You may even see a general physician and they might not be able to pinpoint the true origin of the pain. That’s because TMJ disorder has symptoms that mimic those of other ailments, which can sometimes lead to misdiagnoses and untreated pain.
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joints that sit between the lower jaw and the skull. These joints are responsible for the jaw’s proper alignment and movement. When these joints become overused, misaligned, or suffer a trauma from an accident, they can create intense pain not just in the jaw, but across a wide portion of the body, as they are part of a balanced relationship between surrounding muscles, blood vessels, and nerves.
Some of the most common symptoms related to TMJ disorder include:
- Jaw pain and/or soreness
- Sore teeth
- Facial pain and/or soreness
- Headaches
- Ringing in the ears
- Loose teeth or teeth that feel loose
- Jaw locking when open or shut
- Numbness in hands or fingers
Because of the variety of symptoms this neuromuscular disorder can display, it is often hard to diagnose. Experienced Manhattan neuromuscular dentists Dr. Elisa Mello and Dr. Ramin Tabib have extensive experience with TMJ and can determine if your headaches or facial pain are related to the jaw ailment.
If you have chronic headaches or pain that seem to have no origin and believe they may be related to a TMJ disorder, contact NYC Smile Design at 212-452-3344 today to schedule an appointment. We happily provide service to those who live in and near Manhattan and New York, NY.
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