TMJ pain comes from one or both of the jaw joints, the temporomandibular joints. Most patients with this TMJ syndrome have a bad bite that forces one or both of the jaw joints into the wrong position with resulting damage to the structures. The jaw joints usually become inflamed and tender and push into the ears when the patient bites. The jaw muscles attempt to reposition the joints but muscles were not designed to work twenty four hours a day. They eventually begin to go into spasm and hurt.
TMJ pain is interesting because it's felt everywhere on the side of the face. The body does not want the jaw bone pushing into the ear so the jaw muscles try to pull the whole jaw forward to avoid damage. This involves the muscles on the side of face and when they begin to hurt from overwork, the whole side of the face hurts. This can confuse a patient and doctor since it hurts everywhere and it's not clear exactly where it is coming from.
When a patient with TMJ disorder is stressed, over-worked, poorly fed, and/or tired, the TMJ pain gets worse . The whole body can often distort itself to help position the jaw joints and this causes a lot of other problems in other areas of the body. Everything hurts! Besides discomfort, some other symptoms can be jaw popping, jaw clicking, grating and/or lock jaw. Some patients visit a chiropractor to assist with the pains in there necks, backs and legs. If the problem originates with the temporomandibular joints, the help of a knowledgeable TMJ dentist is absolutely necessary.
TMJ pain is confirmed if the patient pushes on an open jaw joint and there is more pain. Because there are many different causes for jaw joint problems, there are many different treatments. It is important to find a patient doctor who will work with you. Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky, our TMJ doctor, is dedicated to his patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join his family of patient by scheduling your first appointment, call 404-874-7428. It's the first step in getting better.