Does TMJ Damage Nerves?

Facial pain and tenderness of the jawbone can make it difficult to go through your day. For some patients, it can be challenging to identify a source of pain because of the intricate composition surrounding the jaw joints.

TMJ is characterized as pain located in the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. Unlike Trigeminal Neuralgia, TMJ is not associated with the nerve endings near your jaw. Common symptoms of TMJ include headache, painful sensations in the ears, dizziness, shoulder and neck pain, and a popping sound when you move your jaw. Certain people are more prone to develop temporomandibular disorder than others. Patients become more likely to develop this disorder as they age. People who have arthritis, experience high levels of stress, and are known to grind their teeth should take preventative measures to avoid TMJ. Some habits you should avoid if you experience jaw tightening are gum chewing, eating hard candy, and sleeping with poor posture.

 If you notice signs of TMJ, there are several massage techniques to target and relieve your joint pain. Many professionals may recommend dental splints to avoid further irritation to the jaw and teeth. Our Los Angeles TMJ expert can answer any questions you may have about this condition.