Types of Trauma That Can Lead to Temporomandibular Joint Issues
You’ve been experiencing significant pain in your jaw, often when you chew food, or you have discomfort in your face, neck, or shoulders. Maybe you’re having problems opening and closing your mouth—you may hear clicking or popping sounds, or your jaw may occasionally lock up. It’s likely that you’ve suffered some type of injury to your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ.
What Is Your Temporomandibular Joint?
You have a temporomandibular joint on each side of your face, where your lower jaw connects to your skull. The temporomandibular joint functions to let your jaw move side to side or forward and back, as well as up and down. There’s cartilage between the bones in the joint to allow for fluid movement. Injury or strain to your TMJ can cause pain and discomfort, as well as clicking or even a locked-up jaw.
What Are the Common Causes of a TMJ Disorder?
A temporomandibular joint disorder may stem from damage to bones, muscles, ligaments, or cartilage in your jaw. Among the most frequent causes of TMJ disorders are:
- Trauma to your jaw in a car accident—In a motor vehicle accident, it’s fairly common for your head or jaw to make impact with the dashboard, steering wheel, or windshield. However, you don’t need any impact to the head to sustain such an injury, as whiplash is also a common cause of a TMJ disorder.
- Injuries suffered in athletic competition—Temporomandibular joint injuries may be the result of contact sports, such as football, hockey, boxing, basketball, or soccer. In addition, many athletes often clench their teeth, which can cause TMJ problems.
- Repetitive stress or excessive strain on your jaw—Your jaw is one of the strongest muscles in your body, so you can be tempted to use it inappropriately, perhaps by twisting off a cap or lid with your teeth, or doing something else you’re unable to do with your hands. You can also develop TMJ problems if you repeatedly grind, grit, or clench your teeth.
- Arthritis—Individuals who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis frequently experience symptoms in their temporomandibular joint.
- Vitamin D deficiency—When your body doesn’t get enough vitamin D, you’ll absorb less calcium, which can weaken all your bones, including your jaw, and cause problems.
- Poor posture—If you don’t stand or sit properly, you can increase the load your head puts on your neck and face muscles. You may even develop an underbite.
What Are the Telltale Signs of a TMJ Disorder?
The obvious indication of a potential TMJ disorder is pain or irritation in your jaw, particularly when you try to eat or speak. There can be a popping, clicking, or grating sound when you move your jaw, and you may have difficulties opening and closing your mouth. You may also experience what is referred to as a malocclusion, where your teeth don’t fit together like they should. TMJ dysfunction, though, may cause symptoms that seem wholly unrelated to your jaw, such as:
- Ear problems, including earaches and tinnitus, a ringing in your ears
- Headaches, including migraines
- Toothaches