Jaw Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help

It's getting more painful?

First of all, thank you, doctor, for taking the time to answer my questions.
On June 24, I cried for a long time, and the next day my mouth was sore and difficult to open.
On June 26, I experienced a sore throat (with phlegm) and pain near the joint of my cheeks and mouth.
I thought it was a cold, so I went to see a doctor.
The doctor diagnosed me with a cold, noted that my throat was swollen, and suggested that the pain near my jaw close to my ear might be due to tonsillitis, so he prescribed medication for me.
After taking the medication, my throat felt a bit better, but the pain near my jaw close to my ear persisted.
I thought it might be due to muscle strain from crying too much, so I didn't pay much attention to it, thinking it would eventually heal on its own.
However, the pain continued, and it hurt whenever I opened my mouth.
I couldn't chew food well because of the pain.
During this time, I avoided eating anything that required a lot of chewing.
Initially, I thought it might be a toothache, so I visited a dentist, who told me it probably wasn't a dental issue since my gums were not swollen, and even after treating my cavities, the pain persisted.
By July 5, the pain near my jaw close to my ear began to radiate outward, causing pain in the middle of my jaw as well.
By July 8, the pain continued to spread, and even touching inside my ear caused pain, although I hadn't been digging in my ears.
I went to see an otolaryngologist, who said there was swelling inside my ear and suggested that I might have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, but it had been hurting for a long time and was showing signs of continuing to spread.
I have been particularly careful about what I eat and have tried to avoid putting pressure on it while sleeping (I can still feel the persistent pain while sleeping).
Is it normal for joint and muscle pain to present this way? What could my symptoms indicate? If I want to go to a larger hospital for further examination, which department should I visit? Thank you again for your help.

A Zhu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/07/08

Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine

You can first schedule an appointment with an otolaryngologist.

Reply Date: 2004/07/08

More Info

Jaw pain can arise from various causes, and your symptoms suggest a complex interplay of factors that may be contributing to your discomfort. Based on your description, it seems that your pain began after a period of emotional distress, which could have led to muscle tension or strain in the jaw area. This is not uncommon, as emotional stress can manifest physically, leading to conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) or myofascial pain syndrome.

Initially, your symptoms included pain near the jaw joint, which you attributed to muscle strain from prolonged crying. This is a plausible explanation, as excessive muscle use can lead to soreness and discomfort. However, the progression of your symptoms, including pain radiating to the middle of the jaw and even into the ear, suggests that there may be more at play.

The fact that you experienced throat pain and swelling, along with the jaw pain, indicates a possible connection to an upper respiratory infection or inflammation of the tonsils, which could also affect the surrounding structures, including the jaw and ear. The ear pain you described could be a referred pain from the jaw joint or a result of inflammation in the area.

Since your symptoms have persisted and expanded, it is essential to seek further evaluation. You mentioned that you have already consulted with an ENT specialist, who noted swelling in your ear. This could indicate an underlying issue that may require more in-depth investigation. Given the complexity of your symptoms, it would be advisable to consult with a specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery or a dentist who specializes in TMJ disorders. These professionals can provide a comprehensive evaluation of your jaw and surrounding structures, including imaging studies if necessary.

In addition to seeking specialized care, there are several self-care strategies you can employ to help manage your symptoms in the meantime:
1. Heat Therapy: Applying a warm compress to the jaw area can help relax tense muscles and alleviate pain.

2. Gentle Stretching: Performing gentle jaw exercises can help improve mobility and reduce stiffness. However, avoid any movements that exacerbate the pain.

3. Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage discomfort. Be sure to follow the recommended dosages.

4. Dietary Modifications: Since chewing exacerbates your pain, consider a soft diet that requires minimal chewing until your symptoms improve.

5. Stress Management: Engaging in relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, can help reduce overall muscle tension.

If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, it is crucial to follow up with a healthcare provider. Persistent jaw pain, especially when accompanied by other symptoms like swelling or radiating pain, should not be ignored, as it may indicate an underlying condition that requires treatment.

In summary, your symptoms may be related to muscle strain, TMJ dysfunction, or referred pain from an upper respiratory issue. Consulting with a specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery or a TMJ specialist would be the best course of action to obtain a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. In the meantime, self-care measures can help alleviate some discomfort.

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