Jaw pain may not seem like a big deal at first. After all, you can probably tolerate it easily enough or manage it with over-the-counter pain medications. However, that pain may be an indicator of TMD, a complex condition that affects the jaw joint (the TMJ). If left untreated, this disorder can lead to some significant consequences. Let’s talk about the dangers of TMD and the importance of seeking professional treatment for it.
Chronic Aches and Pains
In most cases, TMD does not go away on its own. In fact, if the underlying cause of the issue isn’t addressed, it can get worse and worse over time. This can lead to chronic jaw pain and frequent headaches. TMD is even known to be a migraine trigger for some people.
The aches and pains do not stop at the jaw and head. TMD is known to be a descending disorder, which means that it can cause musculoskeletal issues throughout the body. Many people with this condition suffer from frequent neckaches, shoulder pain, and back aches.
Joint Damage
TMD causes pain and inflammation in the TMJ. In the short-term, inflammation is fairly harmless — it can even be helpful. The longer that inflammation is allowed to continue, however, the more likely it is that joint damage will occur. Untreated TMD is associated with an increased risk of arthritis in the TMJ.
Sleep Problems
TMD often arises because the lower jaw does not rest in the proper position. That can contribute to a misaligned bite and problems with the upper airway. In turn, you may not breathe properly at night, which can interfere with the quality of your sleep and lead to chronic exhaustion, mental health disorders, an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents, and a slew of serious health conditions.
Reduced Quality of Life
Some ways in which TMD may adversely affect your quality of life include:
- Problems with eating. You may become limited in what you can comfortably eat, which may affect both your nutrition and your social life.
- Reduced activity. The aches and pains caused by TMD may cause you to be less active, which can adversely affect your health and make it difficult for you to maintain a healthy weight.
- Mood problems. Persistent pain and sleep problems may make you irritable and anxious, which can put a damper on your relationships.
TMJ pain and TMD may not seem like major problems at first, but they can contribute to major issues down the road. Seeking professional help for them in a timely manner can help you to avoid future problems and enjoy the best quality of life possible.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Erin Page is the TMJ/TMD expert at Capital Smiles. she offer a number of treatments to help patients find relief from jaw pain and related problems, including occlusal splints, bite adjustments, and BOTOX® injections. To learn more about her and how she may be able to serve you, contact us at 518-374-0317.