Temporomandibular
joint disorders are pretty common occurrences throughout
the US and in
other parts of the world as well. Most medics are
however familiar with the symptoms of TMJ disorders that
include inflammation of the joint, problem in chewing,
uneven bite, migraine and a host of tribulations that
are difficult to tackle. But those who are specializing
in controlling the TMJ disorder have come across quite a
few unusual symptoms hitherto known to be unrelated to
TMJ. A few case studies (actual narration as given by
the sufferer) have also been added to illustrate some of
the atypical symptoms of TMJ.
Looking
from an anatomical perspective, this bony joint on both
sides of the face is in close proximity with several
vital organs located within the skull. For instance, it
is hardly an inch away from the middle ear which is most
sensitive and is linked with it through a ligament that
transmits sensations felt within the ear. The TMJ is
also quite close to the neck muscles and so pain in the
joint is immediately radiated to the neck and the
surrounding muscles. And it is no wonder that Tinnitus
symptom is shared by the TMJ syndrome too. In fact, the
medical profession is still in doubt whether Tinnitus
gives rise to TMJ problems or vice
versa.
Here Are
Some Of These Unusual Signs And Symptoms Relating To
TMJ
- Ringing
in the ears, which is a tell tale symptom of Tinnitus
is frequently experienced by all those who are
suffering from TMJ for which the Pinto’s Ligament is
most probably responsible. This ligament connects the
middle ear with the TMJ, providing a two-way traffic
between the organs.
- Swelling
in the jaw area and the cheek is another unusual
symptom of TMJ. This is more pronounced on the side of
the face that has been affected. However, this is not
a regular feature of TMJ disorder and is rarely
found.
- Shoulder
pain is sometimes experienced by TMJ patients of
severe intensity. It is usually located to one side of
the shoulder where the strain radiates through the
neck, spreading towards the
shoulder.
- Vertigo
is rather uncommon with TMJ sufferers, though
dizziness may accompany such people frequently. It
usually begins in the form of lightheadedness or a
slight feeling of spinning which gradually rises in
intensity, taking the shape of
vertigo.
- Numbness
in the fingers is another unusual symptom of the TMJ
disorder in men above fifty. It often makes the person
unable to drive a car or sign a document. However, it
is reportedly a temporary phase that vanishes as
abruptly as it had commenced.
Nevertheless,
atypical symptoms of TMJ are not restricted to the few
described above while the following case studies may
reveal their range in a matter of fact
way.
Case Study
# 1: No TMJ Pain But Jaw Pops Out
Constantly
“I have
suffered from problems with my TMJ since I was a child.
When I was 10 years old, my mother used to complain of
me "clicking my teeth" on a spoon when I ate. The
trouble is, my teeth never came near the spoon. The
sound she heard came from my jaw popping. My jaw now
dislocates constantly. I can't eat pizza or french
bread, or even sing, without it locking. I wake up
several times each night having to relocate my jaw.
There is no pain just a jaw that can't seem to function
normally. Brux guards do nothing. In fact, the only
thing that seems to keep my jaw from popping and
sticking is applying pressure to the left TMJ. I have to
sleep these days with a hard pillow pressing against the
joint, or it pops out constantly. It's clear that
something is keeping my jaw from aligning properly, but
no one seems to be able to help me fix it.”- Name
withheld.
Case Study
# 2: TMJ Patient Constantly Swallowing
Saliva
“I never
clench or grind my teeth but I am constantly doing it
now. The side of my face in front of my ear feels
swollen, as does that side of my neck and the ear
itself. My neck and shoulders ache, and I am constantly
swallowing saliva. The back of my neck hurts. My ear
rings and kind of feels numb at times. The predominant
symptom I have is the neck pain. Even the bone in back
of my last tooth feels bad.”- Name
withheld.
Case Study
# 3: TMJ Patient Whose Jaw Clicking Noise Can Be Heard
5
Feet
Away
“I have
had joint pain and severe popping and cracking in my
right jaw for 20 years. I am now 35. I have tried all
the recommended treatments and have had very little
success (braces, night guards etc.). I experience
headaches, ear fullness and pain, facial pain in front
of my ear, extreme pain when opening my mouth wide to
yawn or laugh or eat followed by cracking (that can be
heard up to 5 feet away)
and dislocation.”
TMJ
Natural Cure & Home TMJ
Remedies
The fact
is, natural cure and home remedies may work, but these
rarely provide a lasting TMJ relief. The story is much
the same with conventional and over the counter
solutions. They just treat the symptoms of TMJ whereas
the real causes remain hidden within the body. Holistic
remedies on the other hand treat the root causes of the
problem, and so, once they are treated, the symptoms go
away automatically, never to come back again. Because of
this, holistic remedies work best for those who are
suffering from TMJ symptoms, offering them permanent
relief.
