Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder Symptoms

In this blog from Vidan Family Chiropractic, we’ll discuss the basics about TMJ and its causes, the most common TMJ symptoms that you should be on the lookout for, and how to get TMJ treatment in St. Louis.

What Is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ?)

As the name suggests, TMJ is a disorder of one or both of your “temporomandibular joints.” These are the small, delicate joints that connect your jaw bone to your skull. If these joints begin to function improperly, it can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, as well as issues chewing, biting, and more.

Lots of different things can cause TMJ, which is one of the reasons why it’s sometimes hard to diagnose and treat. A few common contributing factors and causes can include:

• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Stress
• Alcohol and recreational drug use
• Use of certain prescription medications
• Genetic factors
• Jaw overuse (chewing too much gum, for example)
• Arthritis
• Trauma to the TMJ, such as a blow to the side of the face

Recognizing The Most Common TMJ Symptoms

The symptoms of TMJ can vary quite a bit depending on the specifics of your case and the severity of your condition. However, if you recognize one or more of the following symptoms, you may want to see a medical professional like Dr. Alex Vidan to get a TMJ diagnosis and further treatment.

• Pain and tenderness in your jaw – Jaw pain and tenderness are the most common problems associated with TMJ. Your jaw may hurt at rest, and pain may get worse when you try to eat, chew, and speak.
• Facial pain and aching around your ears – The temporomandibular joints are located just below your ears, so TMJ can often cause pain and discomfort near your ears, temples, and other parts of your face, too.
• Difficulty chewing and jaw stiffness – You may feel pain when chewing, or have trouble chewing your food properly due to jaw stiffness.
• Clicking or popping sounds – If your jaw makes clicking and popping sounds when you chew or open your mouth widely, this could indicate TMJ.
• Joint locking – In really severe cases, your jaw joints may “lock” in place and not work properly at all, making it difficult or impossible to open and close your mouth properly.

Get Help For TMJ In St. Louis – Come To Vidan Family Chiropractic!

In very severe cases of TMJ, intervention from a dentist or a physician may be recommended so that you can get proper treatment and restore the health of your joint. But in many cases, you can treat TMJ with lifestyle changes, as well as cervical adjustments and jaw adjustments from a chiropractor like Dr. Alex Vidan.

If you’re struggling with jaw pain in St. Louis, don’t wait. At Vidan Family Chiropractic, TMJ treatment is one of our specialties. We can treat your condition, relieve your pain, and help you get back to your daily routine without discomfort while chewing, eating, and speaking. Give us a call at 314-210-6556 or contact us online to get started.