TMJ: Why Does My Jaw Hurt?
- Posted on: Feb 15 2019
Waking up with a sore neck is never fun, but there are ways you can treat it yourself. You might need a few stretches and a warm shower to feel better. In serious cases, a massage might be needed. Jaw pain isn’t always such an easy fix. If you wake up with jaw pain, do you know what is causing it? Keep reading to learn more about TMJ and how we can help you treat it.
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is like a sliding hinge, connecting the skull to your jaw. Each side of your jaw has one joint, and one or both could be experiencing issues. TMJ disorders, a type of temporomandibular disorder or TMD, can cause pain in your jaw joint and lead to issues with the muscles that control your jaw movement.
What causes it?
The exact cause of your TMJ disorder may difficult to determine since there are many factors. The pain you feel might be due to your genetics, arthritis, or even an injury to your jaw. Some people who have jaw pain also clench or grind their teeth, although that’s not the simple answer you may be looking for. A lot of people clench or grind their teeth regularly and never develop serious TMJ disorders.
TMJ disorders can also create a clicking sound or grating sensation when you open your mouth to speak or chew. But if there’s no pain or limitation of movement associated with your jaw clicking, then you may not need treatment for TMJ.
Should I see a doctor?
If you have pain that doesn’t go away, tenderness in your jaw, or if you can’t open or close your jaw completely, then seeing a doctor should be at the top of your list. We can help you identify the right plan of action to help treat your TMJ.
Call us today at (701) 222-1800 for our Bismarck office or (701) 463-2884 for our Garrison office to schedule an appointment to learn more about TMJ.
Posted in: TMJ/Neuromuscular Dentistry
