Causes & Symptoms of TMJ/Jaw Pain
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw bone to your skull, acting as a hinge. The bones that interact in the joint are covered with cartilage and separated by a shock-absorbing disc that makes the sliding movements smooth.
If you have jaw pain or tenderness, aching in or near your ear, difficulty chewing, a tight jaw, or locking of your jaw – you may be suffering from a TMJ disorder which could be caused by an injury, joint damage, or the disc eroding.
Conditions that can cause jaw pain and TMJ pain include:
- Jaw injuries
- Grinding of teeth
- Clenching of the jaw
- Arthritis (loss of cartilage)
Jaw Pain and TMJ Pain Relief
While there are a variety of causes and it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact reason causing it, Dr. Sam can help locate where your jaw pain is specifically and help aid in TMJ pain relief while preventing more jaw pain from happening with gentle adjustments, acupuncture, and exercises. Schedule a visit to get started living with less pain naturally today!