TMJ and Facial Pain: What You Need to Know

Wondering about TMJ pain? Read on to learn more. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction can cause numerous uncomfortable symptoms, such as tightness, stiffness, or crackling when opening and closing the jaw. However, most people first notice problems with their TMJ when they begin to experience facial pain. The TMJ is tied to the function of the entire face, and if it is not working correctly, it can cause increasing soreness all the way around the head. For patients looking for relief, it is useful to know what can cause TMJ pain and how to get rid of it.

What to know about facial pain with TMJ

Facial pain caused by TMJ is a complex scenario, and there is not usually a single inciting incident that leads to the dysfunction. Patients taking an active role in their care can learn more about TMJ disorders and how:

Its origin can vary

There is no single cause of facial pain in situations where the TMJ is not functioning properly. In many cases, pain begins to arise when the masseters (the large muscles responsible for opening and closing the jaw) tighten due to the TMJ moving unevenly. This can lead to the masseter on one side taking more of the workload of moving the jaw, leading to fatigue, pain, and gradually worsening symptoms.

Muscular challenges are not always behind TMJ pain, though. In other cases, the material inside the temporomandibular joint itself can cause issues. The cartilage inside the TMJ can become displaced, leading to the bones grinding together and becoming painful.

It will not usually go away on its own

When TMJ issues arise, it can be easy to take a painkiller and pretend that nothing happened, at least at first. However, TMJ dysfunction does not usually go away on its own. Patients should begin making changes as soon as they suspect TMJ issues so they can turn the problem around before it worsens.

Treatment depends on the cause

Because the causes of TMJ facial pain are so complex, the treatments are varied, too. Early-stage TMJ dysfunction might resolve if the patient makes an active effort to relax the jaw. Excess clenching or chewing can exacerbate face pain, and a few days of minimal talking or movement might be enough to handle simple cases.

In more complex scenarios, multiple options are available. Patients may be fitted with bite guards to address bruxism and bite issues. They could undergo trigger point injections to try to release the tension in the muscles and relieve facial pain. Physical therapy can also help to ease discomfort in the face caused by the TMJ.