Temporomandibular disorders (TMD/TMJ): the symptoms
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) affects approximately 7% of the population, primarily women between the ages of 20 and 40. They are disorders with a variety of symptoms such that recognition may not be immediate. Let’s take a look at what symptoms they are characterized by.
It is important to be able to identify the symptoms and seek professional help in order to undertake appropriate treatment. In the event that a professional cannot be consulted within a short period of time, some home remedies or mandibular stretching exercises can help you find immediate pain relief.
What are temporomandibular disorders TMDs?
By temporomandibular disorders TMD, we refer to problems affecting the temporomandibular joint (which connects the jaw to the temporal bones of the skull) and the muscles connected to it.
Other ways we call temporomandibular disorders (abbreviated TMD) are TMJ disorder, TMJ disorders, cranio cervical mandibular disorders (abbreviated DCCM). All of these terms therefore refer to the same group of disorders.
Symptoms of TMJ disorder
The symptoms that characterize temporomandibular disorders (TMD) or TMJ disorders are varied and can affect various parts of the body. This shows the strong link that the temporomandibular joint has with the rest of the body and how the disorders that affect it affect the general well-being.
The most common symptoms of TMJ disorder include:
- Pain in the face, jaw joint, neck and shoulders, in or around the ear when chewing, talking or opening the mouth wide
- Discomfort or pain when trying to open your mouth
- Joint that “locks” (not being able to open or close your mouth) or general changes in jaw movements
- Noise in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth or chewing (with or without pain)
- Sensation of soreness or pain in the muscles of the face
- Problems with chewing and swallowing (as if the upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly)
- Swelling on the side of the faceOtocongestion, which is the feeling of muffling that results from poor ventilation inside the ear
- Occlusal dysesthesia
- Whistling, buzzing or pulsating in the ear that is not caused by external agents (tinnitus)
- Dizziness or pseudo-vertigo
- Cervical
- You may also have toothaches, headaches, neck pain, postural instability, earaches, decreased hearing (hypoacusis), and upper shoulder pain.
Sources
dccm.it
