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Posted on 5/30/2016 by Dr. Michael Allard |
TMJ disorder often comes with a variety of classic symptoms - a clicking sound when you open or close your mouth and jaw pain, most notably. What many people don't realize is that TMJ disorder can actually affect your whole body, so you may be experiencing symptoms of a problem and don't realize it has anything to do with your jaw joint. Here are a few of the most surprising symptoms.Neck PainHave you been experiencing severe neck pain but don't know why? It could be your TMJ, as this joint plays a big role in ensuring that your head stays properly balanced at the top of your spinal cord.At roughly eight pounds, your head is a pretty solid weight to support, and if you have bad posture because your TMJ joint is out of whack, this weight can be distributed unevenly and will put added stress onto your spine and neck. EaracheThe muscles of your jaw run between your ears, so it is entirely possible that TMJ pain could trigger an earache. Oftentimes people mistake this pain for an ear infection, when in fact, the discomfort isn't really even coming from the ear at all.Difficulty BreathingYour tongue is attached to your lower jaw, so its position in the mouth will depend on proper alignment of the jaws. If your lower jaw isn't aligned properly, your tongue may sit too far back within your mouth, possibly resulting in an obstructed airway.Often this results in difficulty sleeping due to what feels like abnormal breathing and could warrant a trip to the doctor only to find that TMJ disorder is entirely to blame. The good news is that if you are suffering from TMJ disorder, treatment options are available. Contact our office today about what you can do. |