An estimated 12% of Americans suffer from TMJ, a disorder that arises when the joint that allows for jaw movement becomes damaged or displaced.
Many people find that TMJ pain ebbs and flows. Oftentimes, they’re able to live with it with minimal issues. How do you know when simply living with it isn’t the right solution?
Seeing a TMJ specialist can make a huge difference for TMJ patients. Yet, many TMJ patients wait until the pain is too severe to bear. Are there any other signs that you should find a TMJ specialist near you?
Read on to learn more about the TMJ symptoms you shouldn’t ignore.
Your Jaw Feels Stuck
You wake up and your jaw feels stiff, as though you were grinding your teeth all night. Okay, this isn’t a cause for alarm. As the day wears on, your jaw will start to loosen and return to normal functioning.
What if you experience this sensation often? What if your jaw feels so stuck that you can’t eat or talk without experiencing discomfort? This is a sign that you need immediate TMJ treatment.
You’re Experiencing Frequent Migraines
The source of migraines tends to elude patients and doctors alike. Severe headaches can result from a number of factors ranging from poor sleep to dehydration.
That said, if you know that you experience TMJ symptoms and you’ve had an uptick in migraines, see a TMJ specialist. It’s possible that treating your TMJ could alleviate those day-ruining headaches for good.
You Hear Popping and Clicking When You Chew
Many TMJ patients don’t experience jaw pain right off the bat. What they do tend to notice early on, however, is a popping or clicking in their jaw when chewing.
Even if this sound isn’t accompanied by pain, make an appointment with a TMJ specialist. This will allow you to start TMJ treatment early and avoid worsening TMJ symptoms down the line.
You’re Experiencing Pain That Radiates
If you have frequent jaw pain from TMJ, we do recommend seeing a TMJ specialist. If that pain radiates to the face, neck, or upper back, make an appointment right away. No one should have to live with this type of pain.
If you are experiencing all of these types of pain for the first time, consider seeing an emergency doctor or your general practitioner. Jaw, neck, and back pain can be symptoms of other disorders or ailments that can be dangerous.
Don’t Wait to See a TMJ Specialist
Tons of American adults live with TMJ but that doesn’t mean that you should grin and bear it. If any of these symptoms arise or you suspect that you may have TMJ for the first time, see a TMJ specialist.
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