TMD Awareness: Uncovering 20 Hidden Symptoms Beyond Jaw Pain
Discover the overlooked symptoms of TMD and how this complex disorder affects more than just the jaw
By Taylor Hendrickson, BSc., CBT - Moore MyoWorx Denver
Headaches, plugged ears and neck pain can be related to TMD and are often missed symptoms of the disorder.
November is National TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Awareness Month.
TMD is more common than many realize, with 36 million Americans (around 10% of the general population) reporting common symptoms.
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) encompass a range of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and the surrounding nerves, muscles, and connective tissues, often leading to chronic facial pain.
These complex joints, located on either side of the jaw, connect the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull and play an essential role in movements such as chewing, speaking, and swallowing. When any part of this intricate system of bones, muscles, and nerves is disrupted, it can result in pain and dysfunction, as the TMJ no longer functions as it should.
Symptoms of TMD can vary widely among individuals, but commonly may include:
Jaw pain or tenderness
Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
Facial pain
However, TMD is often more than just jaw discomfort or facial pain, and its symptoms can extend to areas far beyond the jaw.
TMD symptoms are highly individualized and can vary widely from person to person, shaped by each person’s unique anatomy and physiology. Some individuals may experience frequent, varying symptoms while others might have only a few consistent ones. Additionally, TMD can present in episodes or flare-ups, meaning symptoms may come and go over time.
Because the TMJ area is closely connected to other systems in the head, neck, and even upper back, TMD symptoms can appear unrelated. Nevertheless, these symptoms—whether facial, ear-related, or even extending into the shoulders—are often linked to TMD due to the interconnected nature of the muscles and nerves surrounding the TMJ.
20 Hidden Symptoms Linked to Temporomandibular Disorders:
Headaches in the eyebrow
Headaches in the temple
Dry/watery/twitching eyes
Sinus pressure
Congestion
Plugged ears
Ear pain
Tinnitus
Ocular pressure
Tooth pain, cheek pain
Facial twitching
Cold hands
Nerve pain/tingling down the arms into the hands
Trismus (lockjaw)
Sleep apnea
Grinding and/or clenching
Anxiety
Masseter tightness and hypertrophy
Changes in bite
Neck pain or stiffness
Since these symptoms can mimic other common conditions, such as sinus issues or migraines, they are frequently misdiagnosed or overlooked. Recognizing these seemingly unrelated symptoms is crucial for understanding the full impact of TMD and finding effective treatment.
Addressing the root cause of the problem, rather than just the symptoms, can not only provide immediate pain relief but also reduce or even eliminate other related symptoms that might otherwise need separate treatment.
Treatment and Prevention
While different approaches such as intra-oral massage at the site of the symptom will help to alleviate the pain short-term, it is crucial to treat at the source of the symptom if you want long-term relief. Focusing on the source of the problem, rather than only the symptoms, can relieve not only immediate pain but also reduce or eliminate other associated symptoms, which might otherwise be managed separately.
It's important to remember that the severity of the underlying issue is not always reflected in the number of symptoms you experience. One person just as severe of an impingement with only one symptom as someone else who has every possible symptom.
Enhancing the quality of life for individuals with TMD requires a combination of treatment and preventive strategies.
Jaw symptoms don't often occur in isolation. Be mindful of the other factors in your life such as stress, posture, and daily activity. Your head and neck play a big role in the symptoms you feel in your jaw!
The key factor is that any symptom—even if isolated—signals that something isn’t functioning as it should. Remember, normal is pain-free. If you are experiencing persistent pain or discomfort, it is vital to seek help to alleviate your symptom(s) and allow yourself to live without restrictions again and restore your quality of life.
ALSO SEE: Managing TMD and TMJ: Symptoms, Treatment and Relief and 5 Facts vs. Common Myths about TMD
If you or someone you know suffers from TMD Symptoms, please share this information with them and encourage them to reach out to us at Moore Myoworx! Contact our team today and we can begin your recovery together.
At our Centennial, Colorado clinic—the first of its kind in the United States—we specialize in helping individuals with chronic pain reclaim the lives they love.
Learn about the conditions we specialize in and more about our history and 35+ years of patient successes. Schedule a free introductory session with our Denver clinic today by calling us at (970) 592-8306 or by contacting us here.
More from the Moore MyoWorx Blog:
Comprehensive Concussion Care: Prevention, Support, and Treatment from Diagnosis to Recovery
Invisible Agony: The Hidden Toll of Migraines and Chronic Headaches on Your Mental Health
Get to Know Lily Rawnsley, Patient Coordinator at Moore Myoworx
Get to Know Taylor Hendrickson, Kinesiologist at Moore MyoWorx
Taylor Hendrickson is a Colorado native, and completed both her undergrad degrees at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Taylor studied Psychology and Integrative Physiology to better understand how the mind works in conjunction with the body holistically, in order to promote a better recovery and rehabilitation. Taylor has worked with clients of all ages, injuries, and physical abilities with the goal of teaching them and providing them all of the tools they need to keep up with everything that they want to do in life, without pain or limitations.
