Unnoticed Symptoms of TMJ
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Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex and important part of your jaw. It allows you to speak, chew, and yawn comfortably, so when problems occur with it, it can be very painful and can seriously impair certain everyday functions. Certain TMJ symptoms are readily apparent such as stiffness in the jaw joint, change in teeth alignment, aching pain in the face, difficulty chewing, and a painful clicking noise upon opening or closing your mouth. However, there are other symptoms that most people are not aware of that could indicate you need to pay a visit to our Thousand Oaks TMJ expert.
Some of the more indirect symptoms of a TMJ disorder include:
• Tenderness in the facial muscles
• Unexplained headaches centralized in the temples
• Pain in the shoulders and back
• Pain or stuffiness in the sinuses
• Trouble hearing or earaches
• Dizziness or bouts of disorientation
• Increased sensitivity in the teeth
• Depression
• Sensitivity to lights
These symptoms could also indicate a completely different problem, which is why you should seek a proper diagnosis before beginning any treatment. TMJ disorders are most often caused by teeth grinding, so many patients can curb their symptoms by wearing a mouth guard at night. The best treatment for you will depend on your exact condition.