Persistent jaw pain and a sore neck can be your body’s warning signs of tmj symptoms. Doctors will usually try a variety of treatments, often more than one at the same time. This might include a soft diet, pain relievers like ibuprofen with prescription strength, and muscle relaxers (especially for kids who clench or grind their teeth).

You may also be encouraged to exercise, lower your stress levels, avoid chewing gum and singing, and practice relaxation techniques.

Pain

Probably the most common TMJ symptom, pain in your jaw or mouth is often caused by clenching or grinding your teeth. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help, but it is best to work with a professional to alleviate the issue.

TMJ pain can also cause headaches, which might feel like a tight, stuck, or aching feeling. Stress-related habits like clenching or grinding your teeth can increase headache frequency. Practicing stress management techniques and exercising can help relax the muscles and reduce headaches.

Interestingly, many Bellevue TMJ patients experience a sensation of congestion or pressure in their ears. This can occur because of close connections between the temporomandibular joints and inner ear balance organs. When these joints are inflamed or misaligned, it can affect normal signals that travel through the balance system and cause dizziness or vertigo.

Tightness

Tight jaw muscles are a common sign of tmj and can be exacerbated by chewing gum, sticky candy or hard foods. Tightness can also be a result of stress or anxiety. Tightness is usually on both sides of the mouth, although it can be more noticeable on one side.

Tightness can be relieved with stretching exercises, pain medications or physical therapy. Sometimes, a bite plate or occlusal splint can be prescribed to reduce clenching and grinding and help relax the jaw muscles. Other treatments include cutting down on chewing gum and other hard foods, avoiding excessive talking, learning relaxation techniques and practicing good posture. In severe cases, a doctor may recommend surgery to repair the joint. This is usually reserved for people with chronic jaw problems that do not respond to other treatment options.

Headaches

When the temporomandibular joint and muscles surrounding it aren’t functioning correctly, it can cause pain to spread from the jaw area to the neck, shoulders, and head. In some cases, this can produce migraine headaches, which are severe, throbbing headaches that tend to be on one side of the head.

Several different methods can alleviate the pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms that can lead to TMJ migraines. Some of these methods include taking over-the-counter medications or undergoing relaxation therapy. In extreme cases, doctors may recommend more intense treatments, such as nerve blocks to block pain signals from being sent to the brain, or Botox injections into the muscles around the jaw. Ultimately, the best method for preventing TMJ headaches is to avoid putting strain on the jaw.

Clicking or popping noises

Clicking noises are usually associated with a misalignment of the jaw bones, which is often caused by chewing on only one side. This causes the muscles on that side to work harder, leading to wear and tear. The cushioning disc between the bones slips out of place, causing friction when the jaw moves.

This is why it is important to get diagnosed and treated early. This can prevent permanent damage to the cartilage, reduce pain and other symptoms, and help you avoid a more serious condition like jaw locking.

Treatment for jaw clicking and other noises may include medication, a mouth guard to stop teeth grinding or clenching, or other techniques. The sooner you see a doctor, the better your chances of treating the cause and avoiding more severe complications.

Locking of the jaw

When you’re experiencing this symptom, it can be difficult to chew or even yawn. This is because your jaw can only move a certain amount. It can also become stuck in either the closed or open position.

A damaged articular disc (the shock-absorbing cartilage that separates the bone of your lower jaw from the skull) can slip over the bone, causing the jaw to become locked in place. This can develop from a number of factors, including malocclusion or clenching and grinding your teeth.

Stress can also contribute to this condition by causing you to clench your jaw or bite down harder on your teeth, which puts extra strain on the muscles in the face and neck. In many cases, you can pop your jaw back into place by applying pressure or wriggling it around in your hands.