Jaw Pain: When Chewing Becomes a Challenge

It's impossible to take a bite of a hamburger and get all the ingredients in one go?

Hello Dr.
Zhu^^ Although I used a more humorous title, I feel that this issue has become serious.
It's said that a hamburger cannot be bitten in one bite, but in reality, my mouth cannot open as wide as it used to! This includes yawning, chewing food, and suddenly needing to speak after keeping my mouth closed for a long time.
Initially, there was a "clicking" sound when I opened my mouth, and later I sometimes felt a clicking sensation in my left temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
In the past month, I've started to experience pain when I open my mouth wide! The discomfort isn't always in the joint; sometimes it feels like the nerves connected to my temple and the back of my head are causing headaches.
The "clicking" has been happening for over a year, with varying severity.
When I visited a large hospital for an examination two years ago, there was no "clicking" sound at that time, and the doctor couldn't find any issues upon examination, so I didn't receive any treatment and continued with my life.
Sometimes everything feels normal, but recently, when the symptoms flare up, I start to feel headaches.
I usually stay alone and rarely talk to others; could there be a correlation? Sometimes I sit for long periods in front of my laptop working (doing assignments, reports, or watching stocks); could poor posture be the cause? Would consulting a professional chiropractor be helpful? My condition fluctuates, and the problem is with the left TMJ.
Where should I seek help? A general dental clinic? Or which department in a large hospital? How can I effectively resolve this issue? Thank you, Dr.
Zhu.
Wishing you good health, peace, joy, and prosperity.
Sincerely, Li.

Li Tongxue, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/04/29

Dr. Zhu Guanyu reply Dentistry

Dear Student Li,
Hello, based on your description of symptoms, it sounds very much like a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
The reduced mouth opening and the "clicking" sound when opening your mouth are typical symptoms of TMJ dysfunction.
However, an accurate diagnosis can only be made through a clinical examination by a physician.
I recommend that you visit a specialized TMJ clinic or an oral and maxillofacial surgery department for further evaluation.
Thank you for your message.
Wishing you good health.
Sincerely,
Dr.
Kuan-Yu Chu
Director of Dentistry
Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare

Reply Date: 2017/04/29

More Info

Hello Li,
Thank you for your detailed description of your jaw pain and related symptoms. It sounds like you are experiencing a complex issue with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. The symptoms you describe, including difficulty opening your mouth, clicking sounds, pain in the jaw and temples, and even headaches, are common indicators of TMJ disorders.

Understanding TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders can arise from various factors, including:
1. Jaw Misalignment: If your bite is not aligned properly, it can put extra stress on the TMJ, leading to pain and dysfunction.

2. Muscle Tension: Stress and anxiety can lead to clenching or grinding your teeth (bruxism), which can strain the muscles around the jaw and lead to pain.

3. Injury: Any trauma to the jaw or head can affect the TMJ and surrounding structures.

4. Posture: Poor posture, especially when sitting for long periods (like at a computer), can contribute to muscle tension in the neck and jaw, exacerbating TMJ issues.

Seeking Help
Given your symptoms, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare professional who specializes in TMJ disorders. Here are some options:
1. Dentist Specializing in TMJ: Many dentists have additional training in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders. They can assess your bite and jaw alignment and may provide treatments such as splints or mouthguards to alleviate pressure on the joint.

2. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon: If your condition is severe or does not respond to conservative treatments, a referral to an oral surgeon may be necessary. They can evaluate whether surgical options are appropriate.

3. Physical Therapist: A physical therapist with experience in TMJ disorders can help you with exercises to strengthen and relax the jaw muscles, improve your posture, and reduce pain.

4. Chiropractor: Some patients find relief through chiropractic care, which can help with alignment issues in the neck and jaw.

5. Pain Management Specialist: If your pain is severe and persistent, a pain management specialist can provide additional options for pain relief, including medications or injections.

Treatment Options
Treatment for TMJ disorders can vary based on the underlying cause and severity of your symptoms. Here are some common approaches:
- Self-Care: Applying heat or ice to the affected area, practicing relaxation techniques, and avoiding hard or chewy foods can help manage symptoms.

- Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve jaw mobility and reduce muscle tension can be beneficial.

- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce pain and swelling.

- Dental Appliances: A custom-fitted mouthguard can help prevent teeth grinding and reduce strain on the TMJ.

- Surgery: In rare cases, surgical intervention may be necessary if conservative treatments fail.

Conclusion
Your symptoms, particularly the clicking sounds and pain, suggest that you may be dealing with a TMJ disorder. It is essential to seek professional help to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your needs. Addressing posture, managing stress, and possibly working with a physical therapist or dentist specializing in TMJ can significantly improve your quality of life.

I hope this information helps you understand your condition better and guides you toward the appropriate care. Wishing you the best in your journey to recovery!
Take care,
Dr. Zhu

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