What is TMJ?
If you’re experiencing pain in your jaw and head as well as clicking noises when you chew, you could have an issue with your TMJ. Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are located on either side of your jaw near your ears and are vital in the opening and closing motions of your jaw.
The Causes of TMD
Because it’s a complex joint, there are many potential causes of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and it can be difficult to pinpoint the reasons behind every case of TMD. But there are a few known causes of TMJ issues.
Sometimes, TMD is caused by the disk eroding or moving out of place, the cartilage is damaged by arthritis, or the joint is damaged in an accident. Though the cause of your TMJ issue may not be clear, it’s still possible to treat it.
Symptoms of TMD
Common symptoms of TMD include:
- A sore jawbone joint
- Inflammation in the jawbone or joint
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Aching face and jaw
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Headaches
Your TMJ and Arthritis
One reason behind some cases of TMJ issues is arthritis. If you’re affected by osteoarthritis, the disease may destroy the cartilage in your joint and cause issues when you chew and speak.
In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, the jaw is often one of the last joints to be affected. If it is, it can destroy your jawbone and cause misalignment of your teeth.