The temporomandibular joints are located on both sides of your face, in front of your ears where they connect your jaw to your skull. They are the most complex joints in your body because they pivot as well as slide. The movement of your jaw is controlled by a complicated muscle system which is in turn controlled by the central nervous system.
What is TMD/TMJ?
TMD/TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorder is a term used to describe a group of diseases or conditions that involve this jaw joint.
The symptoms of TMD/TMJ can appear gradually over time or as a result of an injury or trauma, such as a blow to the face or head or as a result of injuries in an automobile accident. Even habitual teeth grinding, clenching, gum chewing or cradling a telephone between your shoulder and the side of your head can trigger TMD/TMJ.
What are the symptoms of TMD/TMJ?
Temporomandibular joint disorder has a variety of symptoms including headache and facial pain. The pain of TMD/TMJ is often described as headache, facial or dental pain, pain in the jaw joints, ear pain or pressure and neck, back, shoulder and chest pain. Other symptoms of TMD/TMJ may include:
- The inability to fully open or close your jaw
- Difficulty swallowing
- Tinnitus or ringing in your ears
- Tingling in arms and hands
- Insomnia
- Depression
What does the Headache Caused by TMD/TMJ Feel Like?
The pain from TMD/TMJ can be sharp and searing but can also be described as dull and aching just below the ear on one or both sides and may expand to the temples, the middle of the face, or across the top of the skull. The headaches from TMD/TMJ have, at times, been described as “pounding migraines” and are often also confused with tension or sinus headaches. The headache may be accompanied by dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Clicking, grating and popping noises may also be noticed when the temporomandibular joint is in motion, and your face may appear swollen or deviated to one side.
Medication prescribed for headache pain does not treat the underlying cause of the pain. A neuromuscular dentist is trained to treat the cause of the symptoms associated with the pain of temporomandibular joint disorder.
Residents of Calgary, Alberta who suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD/TMJ) should visit the website of Dr. Steven Cload at Southcentre Dental Clinic today to learn about the therapies available to alleviate your pain.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/dental-care-articles/tmdtmj-and-headaches-1317564.html
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