Pain and pressure in the jaw, neck or shoulders. A clicking or popping sound in the jaw joint. Symptoms that get worse when you chew, speak, open your mouth wide or yawn. Dental splints, or mouth guards, can prevent teeth clenching and grinding that contribute to tmj pain. A doctor may also prescribe medication to reduce inflammation, such as ibuprofen, or muscle relaxants, such as amitriptyline, which can help people sleep better and stop clenching. Some doctors recommend arthrocentesis, in which a doctor pushes fluid through the jaw joint to clear away debris and inflammation.
Medications may help with TMJ symptoms. Over-the-counter NSAIDS (like aspirin and ibuprofen) and prescription corticosteroids may relieve pain for short periods of time.
Causes
Many factors can lead to sudden jaw pain. Stress can cause clenching and grinding of the teeth, which can wear down enamel and fracture the jaw joint. Symptoms may also be triggered by biting down on hard foods or chewing gum. People who spend much of their day sitting are more prone to poor posture and alignment, which can cause the jaw to protrude. TMD is twice as common in women and people assigned female at birth than in men and those assigned male at birth.
Some people are more likely to develop TMD because of family history or autoimmune diseases. Other risk factors include whiplash injuries, physical activities like weightlifting or running, aging, arthritis, and jaw injuries. Arthritis causes the cartilage in the jaw joint to break down, resulting in pain and decreased movement. Other autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, can also affect the TMJ. People who experience TMD as a result of one of these conditions often experience other symptoms, such as fatigue, neck and back pain, and ringing in the ears.
Symptoms
A clicking sound when you open or close your mouth may indicate that the joint isn’t functioning properly. Your doctor may use an arthroscopy to check the condition of your jaw and make a diagnosis.
TMJ pain can cause headaches, earaches and neck aches. It can also lead to tooth problems, including cracked or chipped teeth, and gum disease. It can even affect your ability to chew food and eat normally, causing nutritional problems.
Usually, TMJ symptoms only occur on one side of the head or face, but sometimes they affect both. The pain can last for many years and may come and go. TMJ can be worse after a jaw injury or a blow to the head. It can be triggered by stress, clenching or grinding your teeth (bruxism) or using your teeth as tools to tear things.
Research shows that most people with TMJ symptoms also have other health problems. These include allergies, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, endometriosis, gastrointestinal disorders and arthritis of the hips, low back and neck (such as ankylosing spondylitis), among others.
Treatment
Pain relievers (NSAIDs), physical therapy, and stress management techniques can help ease TMJ symptoms. Avoid hard, chewy foods and gum, and take a break from repetitive tasks like typing or using a computer. Try massaging the jaw and neck muscles, using hot or cold packs, or readjusting your posture to keep your head in a more natural position.
TMJ pain can be a long-term issue that affects a person’s quality of life. People should seek treatment for TMJ symptoms when they start affecting other parts of the body, such as the shoulders, ears, or eyes.
Prevention
Some people’s TMJ pain goes away on its own, but it’s always a good idea to seek help if you have jaw pain that lasts longer than expected. If your TMJ symptoms are severe, it’s best to see a physical therapist as soon as possible to relieve your pain and prevent the condition from worsening.
Some treatments for TMJ include mouth splints to silence teeth grinding in the night, taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to control swelling and pain, and gently massaging the jaw and neck muscles to control tension. Many people find that alternating ice and heat packs (15 minutes on, 15 minutes off) offer relief as well.
Other preventive measures include avoiding chewing gum and hard foods, practicing good oral hygiene, and reducing stress levels to avoid teeth clenching and grinding. It is also helpful to be aware of the signs and symptoms that indicate that your TMJ may be a problem, such as clicking noises or grating sensations when opening and closing your mouth, or difficulty moving your jaw in certain positions.