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Millions of Americans deal with chronic facial or neck pain along with frequent headaches. In many cases, this discomfort is connected to Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder, also known as TMD.
Your temporomandibular joints, or jaw joints, connect your lower jawbone to your skull. These joints work all day as you speak, chew, swallow, and yawn. Pain in and around these joints can be uncomfortable and may even limit 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 the top and bottom teeth
• Locked jaw or limited opening of the mouth
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, let us know. Dr. Azariy Yusupov can help determine whether they point to TMD and guide you on the right treatment steps.
How TMJ Issues Affect the Jaw and Surrounding Muscles
TMJ problems often involve not only the jaw joint itself but also the muscles that support chewing and jaw movement. When these muscles become overworked or irritated, they can contribute to pain, stiffness, and limited motion.
In some cases, patients benefit from coordinated care that helps relax these muscles and improve how the jaw moves. For this reason, we may refer to our local partner Determination Physical Therapy for physical therapy in Forest Hills to support TMJ treatment and help reduce jaw and neck tension.
Preventing TMJ Pain
If you don’t have any of these symptoms, there are simple habits that can help keep your jaw joints healthy throughout the day:
• Relax your face and remember the rule: “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 or hold the receiver instead
• Chew food evenly on both sides
• Do not sit with your chin resting on your hand
• Practice good posture by keeping your head up, back straight, and shoulders squared
Taking small steps now can ease strain on your jaw and help prevent future problems. If you ever have questions about TMD or jaw pain, we’re here to help.
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