TMJ stands for “temporomandibular joint.” The temporomandibular joint gets its name because it connects your lower jaw (the mandible) and the side and base of your skull (the temporal bone).
Your jaw joints and the attached muscles are important for everyday actions like talking, chewing and yawning. Unfortunately, when you have an issue with your TMJ, it can have a dramatic impact on other areas of your body.
Dr. Ashwini Bhave of Bay Area Dental Specialists is a prosthodontist. This means she has advanced training in correcting TMJ dysfunction. She understands the issues that accompany TMJ disorder, including those that affect other parts of your body. Here, Dr. Bhave will explain how TMJ disorders are linked to your ears, neck and shoulders.
What Are TMJ Disorders?
TMJ disorders are issues with the jaw joints or the muscles that control the jaw joints. TMJ disorders can have many causes, which is why it is important to have your jaw examined by a dental professional with specialized training.
TMJ disorders can also have many symptoms, including pain, jaw clicking and locking, earaches, toothaches and difficulty chewing. TMJ disorders can impact various parts of your body, and your overall quality of life.
How Are TMJ Disorders Linked to Your Ears?
Your TMJ is adjacent to your ear. Since your TMJ and ear are so close, an issue with one will naturally impact the other. If you have TMJ disorder, you may experience symptoms in your ears including ear pain, hearing a clicking sound, a ringing in your ear (tinnitus) or a feeling of fullness in your ear. You can even experience hearing loss.
How Are TMJ Disorders Linked to Your Neck?
Everything in your body is connected, including the muscles in your neck and jaw. If you have issues with your jaw, this can cause issues with your neck, including muscle spasms, reduced flexibility and pain. Some patients who complain of neck pain find relief when their TMJ disorder is treated.
How Are TMJ Disorders Linked to Your Shoulders?
Just as the muscles in your neck are connected to your jaw, so too are the muscles in your shoulders. If your TMJ disorder is impacting your facial muscles, it may also be impacting your shoulder muscles. This can lead to shoulder tightness and pain.
Contact Dr. Bhave for Your TMJ Treatment Needs
You don’t have to live with the pain and discomfort caused by TMJ disorder. Dr. Bhave is a knowledgeable and experienced dental professional who understands the complexity that comes with treating TMJ disorder. Please call or email Bay Area Dental Specialists today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bhave for your TMJ treatment needs.