When It Seems Like TMJ And Its Not

When we have a pain somewhere in our body, our first assumption is that whatever is in that area must be responsible for the pain.  Often times, especially in pain that is coming from muscles and joints this is a correct assumption.  But not always.  Referred Pain is when you hurt in one area, but the pain is actually coming from somewhere else. 

Most people who have pain in the jaw area most likely have a problem with their jaw, especially if it hurts when it moves, and when the ability to open it is limited. Like the old saying " If it barks like a dog, it probably is!"  Seems simple enough.  However, their a few other things that can send pain to the jaw area that need to be ruled out before you make the assumption that your problem is actually in the TMJ.  

The Ones That Require Immediate Medical Attention:

Trauma: Usually most people don't wonder if they have broken jaw, they just know. Mostly because it hurts so much! Jaw trauma can happen from slips and falls and bar fights.  Some sports are more likely than others to produce these, basketball comes to mind. If you are experiencing jaw pain from a trauma, YOU NEED TO PRESENT TO A MEDICAL DOCTOR RIGHT AWAY! Delay with something like this can really impact the outcome, and could represent  a life threatening situation  if your airway became obstructed. TMJ may start here, but you need to address the trauma first.

Referred Pain From The Heart: Most people understand that pain from a heart attack or super high blood pressure can refer pain somewhere, typically down the arm. You should also be aware that heart issues can refer pain to the neck and jaw as well.  This is more common in women than men, but it can happen in both sexes. Referred pain from the heart often comes on suddenly and without warning.  It isn't likely to be accompanied by any problem opening or closing your mouth, and won't have any clicking or popping associated.  Heart referral pain usually has a "crushing" or "vice grip" sensation associated with it, and it is made worse by exertion, like going up stairs or walking fast. LIKE TRAUMA, IF YOU SUSPECT A HEART ISSUE MIGHT BE CAUSING YOUR PAIN, DON'T WAIT GET TO AN EMERGENCY ROOM, EVEN IF YOU ARE UNSURE!

Temporal Arteritis: Temporal Arteritis is an inflammation of the blood vessels in and about the scalp. It is usually described as a very severe headache, the worst you have ever had.  Unlike the heart issues, this one can be aggravated with eating and talking (movement of the jaw). It can come and go.  If left untreated it can cause a lot of problems and while not as likely as a heart event to be life threatening it can have some serious complications.  It is important to present to your medical doctor or urgent care if you suspect this is causing your problem. 

Close, But Not Quite !

Other causes of pain in and about the jaw, but not coming from the TMJ itself:

• Sinusitis  / Ear Infection (usually accompanied by drainage and other signs of infection)
• Cluster Headaches  (Usually episodic, not necessarily aggravated by opening or closing
• Migraine Headaches  (Usually episodic, not necessarily aggravated by opening or closing)
• Tension Headaches  (Usually episodic, not necessarily aggravated by opening or closing)
• Trigeminal Neuralgia (Very intense, can feel like an electric shock)
• Acid Reflux (Stomach related symptoms, not aggravate by opening or closing)
• Trigger Points in the Sternocleidomastoid and or Trapezius Muscles (Not aggravated by opening or closing)
• Erupting Wisdom Teeth (Bleeding, swelling and tenderness of the gums)
• Cavity, broken or chipped tooth (Pain with biting down, tender, swollen gum)
• Infection in a Salivary Gland (Pain, tender, swollen, red around the gland)

A note about Headaches (Cluster, Migraine, Tension) and Trigeminal Neuralgia: These conditions are often mediated by the nerve that supplies the jaw (The Trigeminal Nerve) and often times these are present at the same time (and because of ) as a TMJ issue. 

Getting To The Right Door

For the most part, those conditions that represent medical emergencies are usually pretty self evident, and jaw pain is usually a secondary symptom, but if you think you might be dealing with one of these, err on the side of caution and get checked immediately. 

The ones that are close actually may be present on their own, or may actually be combined with a TMJ issue as well.  If you have TMJ pain that is aggravated by opening and closing, perhaps a pop or click, and limited opening, but you lack the other defining characteristics listed, there is a good chance that your problem is actually coming from your TMJ. It is worth your time to go through the tests and assessments  found in the How To Tell If You Have A TMJ Issue article and the exercises in the Self Help For TMJ article.

If these are not helping, or not helping enough, feel free to give me a call.  I am happy to talk with you over the phone and see if you might be missing something.  Getting to the right door can be a challenge sometimes, having a guide can help.

Yours in Health,

Doug Williams D.C.

TMJ Relief Center at Care Chiropractic Care Chiropractic

134 Executive Drive #3

Lafayette, Indiana 47905

(765) 448-6489