Addressing TMJ Disorders

The TMJ Sleep Center - Addressing TMJ Disorders

Do you experience jaw pain and jaw popping, clicking, or grinding joints? Most TMJ patients experience jaw clicking or popping sometimes for years, but it was never a problem before! You’ll have to admit that it’s just not normal. Your jaw joint is dislocating when you hear that clicking or popping sound. You would have gone to the doctor right away if any other joint in your body had been making such noises to find out what was wrong. 

These are some of the signs you may experience of TMJ disorder (TMD):

• Do you experience chronic, unexplained headaches, ringing in the ears, or back, neck, shoulder pain, or nausea?
• Do you clench or grind your teeth at night or throughout the day? 
• Has your jaw ever locked open or shut?
• Are your teeth worn down and sensitive to cold? Unexplained tooth ache?
• Can you open your mouth wide enough to fit three fingers inside vertically? 

The temporomandibular joint and its incredibly strong surrounding muscle groups are the subjects of a collection of issues that are referred to by this term. Your symptoms could be uncomfortable and distressing, and they might come and go for no apparent reason, but you can still treat them without surgery! Our TMJ pain doctor has 30 years of experience successfully treating thousands of individuals with these conditions, and we look forward to assisting you in living a life free of pain and headaches as you get your life back!

Locally owned and specializing in TMJ dysfunction, we work with all insurance companies. Learn more about TMJ disorders from our knowledgeable, friendly, and compassionate staff, or take a copy of Dr Romriell’s TMJ Consumer Guide. 

Call for an appointment or visit us today. Walk-ins are welcome. Get your complimentary consultation, and Dr. Romriell’s free TMJ Consumer Guide.

Enjoy our fresh-baked cookies!

What Is TMJ Pain?

TMJ or jaw pain has been called the Great Imposter because everything else typically hurts except for the jaw joint (TMJ). Temporomandibular joint disorders are often referred to as TMJD, TMJ, or TMD. (Yes, too many names make it even more confusing). The jaw joint is often the one joint in the human body that we take most for granted, even though we constantly use our jaws without even realizing it as we eat, talk, and swallow.

Causes and Symptoms

Causes of TMJ disorder can include a variety of factors that have accumulated and been layered on top of one another over time. 

Direct Trauma such as being hit in the face or falling on one’s face. 

Indirect Trauma damage (whiplash). 

Contributing factors: It is common to not know or determine the initial injury causing the TMJ disorder. Contributing factors are not the cause of TMJ disorders; although, following an initial TMJ injury, studies have shown such activities as repetitive jaw motion (chewing gum), clenching or grinding of the teeth, holding the mouth open for long periods of time (root canal), elevated physical/emotional stress, poor bite, and hyperactive jaw muscles can each add to the injury and make the TMJ disorder worse. It is very common that the contributing factors actually bring the injury into question and the common symptoms precipitate suggesting erroneously the contributing factors were possibly the cause of the TMJ disorder. 

Signs and Symptoms of TMJ Disorders: 

• Persistent headaches
• Dizziness and vertigo
• Fullness or ringing in the ears, ear pain
• Eye pain
• Limited or reduced jaw movement
• Pain in the face or jaw 
• Abnormal or difficult swallowing
• Back pain, neck, shoulder, or behind-the-eyes
• Increased neck and shoulder stiffness

The signs and symptoms for TMJ issues listed on this page are not all-inclusive; although, they do reflect the most typical complaints patients report in the new patient interview. Call and come see us at The TMJ Sleep Center. You will be glad you did! It can be a life changing experience.

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