TMJ-TMD
Millions of Americans suffer from chronic facial and neck pain as well as recurring headaches. In some cases, this pain is due to Temporomandibular Disorder, or TMD.
Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your lower jawbone to your skull. These joints get a lot of use throughout the day as you speak, chew, swallow, and yawn. Pain in and around these joints can be unpleasant and may even restrict movement.
Symptoms of TMD
- Pain in the jaw area
- Pain, ringing, or stuffiness in the ears
- Frequent headaches or neck aches
- Clicking or popping sound when the jaw moves
- Swelling on the sides of the face
- Muscle spasms in the jaw area
- A change in the alignment of top and bottom teeth
- Locked jaw or limited opening of the mouth
What You Can Do
If you notice any of these symptoms, let Dr. Song know. Here are some simple steps to prevent TMD from worsening or to prevent it from occurring in the first place:
- Relax your face — "lips together, teeth apart"
- Avoid grinding your teeth
- Avoid constant gum chewing
- Don't cradle the phone between your head and shoulder — use a headset
- Chew food evenly on both sides of your mouth
- Practice good posture — head up, back straight, shoulders squared
Dr. Song can help indicate the presence of TMD and create an effective, personalized treatment plan to relieve your pain and protect your jaw.
Experiencing jaw pain or frequent headaches?
Schedule an Evaluation