TMJ Specialist

What Are the Causes of TMJ (Jaw) Pain?

TMJ Pain—also and more properly referred to as TMJD—can result from a number of factors. It could be an issue with the muscles in the jaw. It could be in the bone, cartilage or other parts of the joint.

The TMJ itself is the point where your lower jaw meets your skull in front of your ears. This is how people are able to move their jaw, chew, talk and even yawn. Situations that can lead to TMJD can include:

• Injury to the jaw, head or neck such as whiplash or a heavy blow
• Grinding or clenching the teeth
• Slippage of the disc that cushions the joint
• Arthritis
• Stress that causes tightening of muscles and joints

What Are the Symptoms of TMJD?

The most basic symptoms of TMJD are serious discomfort and pain which can be temporary and clear up or can last for many years. This pain can affect one side or both sides of the jaw. It is more common among men than women and most frequently occurs between age 20 and 40.

Other symptoms include:

• Pain and sensitivity in the face, jaw, neck, shoulders, and around the ear. This most often occurs when patients speak, chew, or open their mouth.
• Limited range of motion in the jaw, preventing opening the mouth wide
• Stuck or locked jaws that cannot be closed or opened
• Sounds of popping, clicking, or grating when the jaw works
• Facial fatigue
• Difficulty biting and chewing
• Facial swelling
• Toothache, earache, headache
• Neck, shoulder and upper back pain
• Tinnitus (ringing ears)
• Dizziness and loss of balance

How Can Dr. Baker Help?

Dr. Baker studied under Dr. Alex Vidan, a renowned specialist in treating TMJD who works out of St. Louis, MO. While TMJD is often treated by dentists, Dr. Baker can work with the patient’s dental specialist to add his own expertise to resolve the problems and provide a whole-body solution to the problem.