Symptoms of TMJ

painful-jaw

What is TMJ?

Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the complex joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull. It’s located on either side of your face, right in front of your ears, and is composed of both hinge-like and sliding mechanisms. TMJ disorder, or TMD, is a condition that affects your temporomandibular joint and/or the muscles and ligaments attached to it. Many people use the terms TMJ and TMD interchangeably, though the former technically refers to the joint itself, while the latter refers to the condition associated with the joint.

Symptoms Can Be Permanent or Temporary

If you’re suffering from TMJ disorder, you might experience:

  • Pain in your TMJ, or where your jawbone connects to your skull
  • Chronic headaches and/or migraines
  • A clicking, grating, or popping sound or sensation when you open and close your mouth
  • Painful or sensitive teeth
  • Pain in your neck, back, and/or shoulders
  • Facial pain and sinus pressure
  • Pain, ringing, and/or congestion in your ear
  • Numbness in your arms, hands, and/or fingers

If you’re experiencing any of these conditions, schedule an appointment with Dr. Mizrahi. She can perform a thorough examination of your joint to determine the cause of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan to help alleviate them.

Call us at 323.433.7744, or visit our contact page.