Facial discomfort without a known cause is one of the more frustrating health conditions a person can experience. If you don’t remember anything specific happening to trigger this pain, it is perfectly possible that this is a result of temporomandibular joint disorder. If you are experiencing persistent facial discomfort, be sure to look for the signs and symptoms of TMD.
Unrelenting Pain in the Jaw Joint
The primary symptom of TMD is the jaw pain you are feeling, which is why you should see our dentist, Dr. John Dano, if this is an issue for you. However, there could be additional causes for the pain your face or jaw feels. Do not just think about the fact you are uncomfortable; try to think about where in your jaw you experience this discomfort.
If the part of the jaw near your ear seems to be the epicenter of your pain, then TMD is likely the cause of your discomfort. The temporomandibular joint that connects the lower jaw to the rest of the skull is located in this area, so its misalignment is going to have a large impact on how this section of your face is feeling.
Headaches and Migraines
When the joint that causes TMD is misaligned, the facial muscles often overexert themselves in order to allow you to chew and speak normally. At first, this additional effort is subtle enough that you most likely would not realize it was happening. Over time, however, the stress this places on the muscles will cause sudden bouts of intense pain.
In other words, there is a strong chance you are experiencing TMD if you are having headaches and migraines more frequently than normal. Getting treated for TMD can cause migraines to cease, a benefit our patients often report back to Dr. Dano after receiving care.
Back Strain
As with many muscular health conditions, TMD symptoms can worsen when you are experiencing emotional stress. However, because the facial muscles TMD affects are connected to those in the neck and upper back, the pain is not always limited to the area near your jaw. Lasting neck and upper back pain are symptoms of a TMD case that has been allowed to develop over a long period of time. If left untreated for even longer, the upper back stress can spread the pain to the rest of the back as well.
Contact Us for Jaw Pain Relief
Bull Valley Dentistry offers TMD appliance therapy in McHenry, IL. By wearing a mouth guard-like device when you sleep, you can manage the symptoms of the disorder and prevent the associated pain. For more information, call our practice and schedule a new appointment with us today!