Symptoms Of TMJ Disorder

TMJ disorders can be easily misdiagnosed by non-specialists as there can be any combination of various symptoms, many of which may seem completely unrelated to the jaw.

For example, you may have referred pain in your neck or around your eye sockets even though there may be no actual pain in the jaw itself.

This is why it's essential that you request a referral from your doctor to see a TMJ specialist for diagnosis as soon as possible.

What are the symptoms of TMJ problems?

Here are the general symptoms usually associated with TMJ disorder:

• Noises such as popping, clicking or grinding when you move your jaw (eating or moving your lower jaw from side to side).
• Limited mobility with jaw movement. Opening up wide or moving the lower jaw from side to side may be uncomfortable or impossible to do.
• Headaches or migraines, especially on one side of the head or face.
• Neck pain or tension (either the back of the neck, front of the neck (SCM muscle) or both).
• Blocked sensation in the ear or ringing (one ear or both).
• Ear pain which can mimic the discomfort of an ear infection.
• Pain around an eye socket, cheek and/or temple.
• General jaw pain around joint or under the chin.
• Waking up with a dislocated jaw.

You may be experiencing one, several or all of these symptoms with a TMJ disorder.

If your doctor has been unable to find a cause for these symptoms then you should see a TMJ specialist to rule out any TMJ disorders.