November is TMJ Awareness month

The TMJ Association has named November TMJ Awareness Month. They are committed to bringing attention to the significant impact that Temporomandibular Joint (jaw) (TMJ) disorders impose on millions of people across the globe.

Symptoms can range from sounds in the joint to severe, debilitating pain and dysfunction. However, some people report no pain but still have problems moving their jaws. Symptoms may include the following:

  • pain in the jaw muscles
  • pain in the neck and shoulders
  • chronic headaches
  • jaw muscle stiffness
  • limited movement or locking of the jaw
  • ear pain, pressure, fullness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • grating in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth
  • a bite that feels “off”
  • dizziness
  • vision problems

Keep in mind that occasional clicking or discomfort in the jaw joint or chewing muscles is common and is not always a cause for concern. Often, the problem goes away on its own in several weeks to months.

For more info visit https://tmj.org/living-with-tmj/