Top 3 Signs You Have TMJ Disorder

In the United States alone, over 25% of the population have TMJ disorder, yet a large proportion of this population do not know they suffer from this condition. The sad truth is that TMJ disorder is not always easy to diagnose as it is not uncommon for TMJ symptoms to mimic regular medical conditions.

Unfortunately, most doctors are not yet aware of this condition and therefore cannot always make the connection between the symptoms and the disorder. As a result, sufferers are given cures that do not solve the core problems of the disorder, but only serve to treat individual symptoms. This wastes valuable time and prolongs the pain the patients have to go through.

If you have any of the 3 following symptoms and have tried to treat them without much success, talk to your dentist or primary physician about the possibility of having this disorder.

Symptom 1: Jaw Popping & Clicking

This is one of the sure signs that someone is suffering from TMJ disorder. Sometimes, the popping and clicking sound could just be a minor sign of a tense jaw muscle, in which case, simple jaw exercises might help ease the problem. In more serious instances, this symptom (if left treated) could lead to a more intense condition with unbearable pain. This is why it is crucial to highlight this symptom to your dentist immediately to determine if it is a clear sign that you suffer from TMj disorder.

Symptom 2: Teeth Clenching & Grinding

Like Symptom 1, teeth clenching and grinding can be mistaken as symptoms of an overly stressed lifestyle. Many doctors might prescribe a night guard or mouth guard to protect your teeth at night. This might help ease the wear and tear on your teeth while you sleep, but it definitely does not solve the underlying problem. If this symptom persists for a long period of time, then there might be a chance you have TMJ disorder. Talk to your dentist immediately!

Symptom 3: Prolonged Headaches, Not Migraine Headaches

Some TMJ disorder sufferers cannot tell the difference between regular headaches and migraine headaches. Migraine headaches usually cause impaired vision like sensitivity to light and the pain is normally focused on one side of the head. The bad news is that the remedy for migraine headaches does not relieve TMJ disorder induced headaches. If you experience headaches that resonate in the temple area right behind the eyes, or even at the back of your head along your neck and shoulders, then chances are this is a TMJ symptom not a migraine headache.

It is undeniable that TMJ disorder is a hard condition to go through because it can disrupt a person's daily life and activities. This is why it is crucial to accurately pinpoint the symptoms as they come about and get the proper treatment for TMJ disorder as quickly as possible.