What Causes TMJ?

Are you experiencing jaw pain and are wondering what is causing it? Jaw pain, also known as TMJ, has many possible causes which can be very uncomfortable. However, there are also many exercises and treatments you can follow that can relieve jaw pain. At H&D Physical Therapy, our TMJ specialist in Lenox Hill will take a closer look at your jaw and will provide you with effective treatments that will reduce the pain. 

What is TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint is a joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. If the joint is injured or damaged, it can lead to a pain disorder called the temporomandibular joint, also known as TMJ. 

What causes TMJ?

Many causes can lead to TMJ, but the following are the most common causes of jaw pain:

• Tooth Decay: You must brush your teeth daily and keep up with dental visits, so you don’t get cavities. Having cavities can lead to TMJ. For instance, if your cavity gets infected, that infection can spread to the tooth’s root. This causes TMJ, especially if the back of your teeth gets infected. That is why you must keep up with your dentist appointments, so if you have a cavity, your dentist will take it early before it can cause TMJ.

• Autoimmune Diseases: Any type of autoimmune disease can cause TMJ, such as lupus, sclerosis, or arthritis. These diseases cause severe pain along your jaw that sometimes you may not be able to open your mouth entirely or sometimes not even at all. However, you can talk to a TMJ specialist in Lenox Hill who can tell you how to manage the pain and can provide you with a plan of treatment.

• Sinus infections: Your sinuses trap the bacteria you inhale in your mucus and protect your lungs from harmful germs. However, if you have allergies or you get a cold, you might get a sinuses infection. This can also cause TMJ since the infection causes swelling, pain, and pressure in the walls of your sinus. If the swelling gets too intense, then it can expand to your jaw, causing TMJ.

• Stress: Did you know that experiencing too much stress can cause TMJ? For instance, when you’re feeling stress, the muscles in your jaw get tense and cause pain in the joint. Stress can also cause headaches, and these headaches can also affect your jaw, which leads to pain. One way to stop this is to follow activities or techniques that can reduce stress. Any activities you do to reduce stress also reduce jaw pain. Some activities include going out for walks, listening to music, reading, or even meditating.

• Grinding or Clenching of Teeth: Some people are used to grinding their teeth while sleeping, and they don’t even notice. However, when they wake up, they may have jaw pain, and they don’t know what is causing it. Even little things or simple habits like chewing gum, biting on a pencil, or another object can cause you to grind your teeth at night. When you grind or clench your teeth, the muscles around the joint get tired and seize up, which causes jaw pain. Talking with a TMJ specialist in Lenox Hill is beneficial as they can give you some exercise to stop grinding your teeth.

Contact Our TMJ specialist in Lenox Hill

If you’re currently experiencing TMJ, you might want to get an evaluation to avoid and prevent future issues. At H&D Physical Therapy, our team of experts and professionals have you covered by providing you with the best care and course of treatment. Contact us today for a TMJ specialist in Lenox Hill!