Your temporomandibular joint is one of the most complex joints in your body. It’s a sliding hinge joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. This joint enables you to eat, speak, yawn, and even swallow. Obviously, it is a vital part of your bodily system, so when your temporomandibular joint malfunctions, it can be very frustrating – and painful.
A misaligned jaw can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms. You are most likely aware of the most common symptoms of TMJ – or temporomandibular joint dysfunction or disorder. The first things that come to mind are probably consistent jaw pain or even lockjaw – making it difficult for you to chew or speak. Although these uncomfortable symptoms are signs of your temporomandibular joint malfunctioning, there are less obvious ways that signify you are suffering from TMJ in St. Louis, with other parts of your body being majorly affected.
Ear Issues
Your temporomandibular joint is located on both sides of your head in front of your ears, meaning your jaw is not the only part of your body where St. Louis TMJ symptoms would be present. Any inflammation or stress to the temporomandibular joint can cause the same effect around the ears. TMJ can cause clogged ears, ear pain, or tinnitus – a constant ringing sound in one or both ears. If you are experiencing ear issues, you should consider TMJ a probable culprit.
Pinched Nerves
Are you experiencing a tingling feeling in your extremities, such as your fingers, arms, or feet? This can be caused by an imbalance of a misaligned temporomandibular joint. This can cause your back to become strained to keep you balanced, resulting in muscle strain and possibly a pinched nerve. If you are experiencing a tingling sensation in your extremities, it may be time to contact the best TMJ dentist in St. Louis to get much-needed relief.
Dizziness
This is a St. Louis, MO, TMJ symptom that is caused by disruption to the ear. TMJ swelling and misalignment can cause your vestibular system to be affected, which is the system located in the inner ear that is responsible for movement and balance. This disruption can cause dizziness or vertigo to occur.
Shoulder Pain
You wouldn’t expect to feel discomfort in your shoulders from a disorder that affects your jaw, but TMJ can cause muscle tension that affects the shoulders. This is due to your jaw muscles being connected to your shoulder muscles, meaning St. Louis TMJ symptoms can radiate to other parts of the body other than your face and ears.
Poor Posture
If you have noticed you have been slouching much more than usual, you may be shocked to learn your jaw can be responsible. A misaligned jaw can cause you to hold your head slightly tilted to one side, which would then cause your back to make up for this imbalance. Your poor posture may accompany muscle tension, back pain, or headaches.
Sleep Disorders
If you are having trouble breathing when you sleep – or you are experiencing excessive snoring – your TMJ may be to blame. How your tongue is positioned within your mouth depends on how your jaw is aligned – since it is attached to the lower portion of your jaw. If your jaw is misaligned, this can cause your tongue to obstruct your airway as you sleep, leading to a condition called obstructive sleep apnea. This serious sleep disorder causes you to stop breathing for 10 seconds or longer while asleep.
Combat TMJ Symptoms With Treatment in St. Louis
TMJ can affect many parts of the body other than your jaw. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and you suspect your TMJ is to blame, don’t wait another day to start treatment. You don’t have to live in discomfort due to your TMJ being misaligned.
Please call experienced TMJ dentist Dr. Chris Hill at Smile On Dental Studio to see how TMJ treatment in St Louis can change your everyday life. Call (314) 678-7876 today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chris Hill! It’s time to take control of your TMJ symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
