TMJ can cause a wide range of symptoms in patients, not only TMJ symtoms. Many times TMJ issues manifets themselves in other areas.
Some issues that TMJ can cause are:
- Tingling in hands or fingertips
- Sleep Apnea
- Shoulder pain
- Tourette’s Syndrome
- Some fibromyalgia issues
- Tinnitus
- Dizziness or Vertigo
- Open Bites
- Tongue Thrust
- Neck pain and forward head posture
- Facial Asymmetry
- Headaches and migraines
- Misaligned jaws
These are issues that patient’s seek medical care for often to no avail. Each is caused by a different reason. Many are a result of airway or breathing issues such as allergies, enlarged turbinates, tonsils, and adenoids. Mouthbreathing at some point in ones life is truly detrimental to jaw development. Others are caused be cervical issues causing forward head posture as well. Even orthodontics or braces can cause TMJ and many associated issues.
The jaw misalignment often compresses the joint and this can occur on one or both sides.
A tongue-tie can cause the tongue to remain on the floor of the mouth and not press on the palate which stimulates upper jaw growth and development. Airway issues cause forward head posture as patients move their head forward to open the airway, this in turn can cause cervical or neck issues.
This is a complex system and treatment should evaluate thoroughly the neck, airway, jaw, muscles, posture, sleep, and all myofunctional aspects which include swallow and breathing. A CBCT or 3D scan is essential for evaluation and diagnosis.
If you have any questions regarding Houston TMJ Pain or TMJ Treatment, please feel free to contact our office. Ronald W. Konig DDS, FAGD, LVIF, 713-668-2289.
