Are you one of the 15 percent of Americans who deal with chronic facial pain? If so, this pain might be coming from your temporomandibular joints (TMJ). These are the joints responsible for chewing and speaking, which means they are definitely important! If you’ve already been diagnosed with a Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), then you are no stranger to jaw and facial pain.

What Is TMJ Pain?

When suffering from a poorly aligned bite or missing teeth, health related problems such as facial or jaw pain could become more pronounced. This occurs because the jaw muscles are working harder to bring the teeth together. And, as a result, it strains the surrounding jaw muscles. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be suffering from a TMJ disorder, which is a painful condition that is often mistaken for those recurring headaches and jaw pain you might often experience.

How Do I Know If I Have TMJ Disorder?

The temporomandibular joints are the points at which the lower jaw attaches to the skull, and are among the most complex joints in the human body. If your jaw clicks or pops, this could be a sign of TMJ disorder. Joint sound is one of the most recognized signs of TMJ disorders, but other symptoms can include:

Don't Suffer With Jaw Pain

At the end of the day, if your jaw hurts or your head is still pounding, you may be exhibiting TMD symptoms. If your pain continues for several days, talk to Dr. Bonnie Foster to ensure there is no serious problem and a treatment plan can be created to help you to take the next step toward a pain free life.