Royal Oak and Birmingham, MI
Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD), commonly referred to as TMJ, is often associated with jaw pain, clicking sounds, or difficulty chewing. However, TMJ issues can manifest in unexpected ways, affecting various areas of the body. Dr. Nancy Hartrick, DDS, has long recognized that poor jaw alignment doesn’t only affect the jaw itself but also the neck and surrounding areas. By taking a holistic approach to diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders, Dr. Hartrick provides effective solutions that address the interconnectedness of the jaw, head, and neck.
- Eye Twitching: A Surprising Connection to TMJ
Do you experience random eye twitching? Though it might seem unrelated, eye twitching (or myokymia) can actually be a symptom of TMD. Jaw misalignment or tension in the facial muscles can affect the nerves controlling eye movements, leading to involuntary spasms. If other potential causes have been ruled out, your jaw condition could be contributing to this issue.
- Vertigo and Dizziness: More Than Balance Issues
Vertigo and dizziness are not just balance problems; they can also be linked to TMJ. The misalignment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can disrupt balance-related structures in the inner ear, leading to:
- Pressure on the inner ear, vital for maintaining balance
- Misalignment of the atlas (C1 vertebra), which affects signals from the brain to the ear
- Muscle tension in the jaw and neck that causes disorientation or spatial awareness issues
- Numbness and Tingling: TMJ’s Impact on Your Nerves
If you experience numbness or tingling sensations in your face, neck, or arms, TMJ dysfunction might be to blame. The trigeminal nerve, responsible for much of your facial sensation, can be affected by TMJ tension or inflammation, causing sensations in areas such as:
- Cheeks
- Lips
- Scalp
- Shoulders or arms (in more severe cases)
This numbness could signal that your TMJ issues are affecting not only your jaw and neck but also your nervous system.
- Sinus and Ear Problems: Hidden TMJ Symptoms
Chronic sinus pressure or earaches may sometimes be linked to TMJ disorders.
Misalignment of the jaw can:
- Press on areas near the ear canal, causing fullness or pressure
- Affect the sinuses, leading to discomfort similar to a sinus infection
These symptoms are often mistaken for other conditions, but if you have chronic sinus or ear problems, your TMJ might be the underlying cause.
- Neck, Shoulder, and Arm Pain: TMJ’s Far-Reaching Effects
The jaw, neck, and shoulders are interconnected, and TMJ disorders can cause pain in areas far beyond the jaw.
Common symptoms include:
- Neck stiffness due to tension from jaw misalignment
- Shoulder pain caused by strain in the neck and jaw muscles
- Arm discomfort radiating from upper body muscle tension
At Dr. Hartrick’s office, we use a comprehensive approach to treat these interconnected areas, focusing on the entire body rather than isolating the jaw.
- Nausea: An Overlooked TMJ Symptom
Feeling nauseous without an obvious reason? TMJ disorders can affect the vestibular system, which controls balance and spatial orientation. When disrupted, it can lead to nausea or a general sense of discomfort, often resembling motion sickness. Many TMJ patients experience nausea in conjunction with their other symptoms.
- Blurred Vision: A Link Between TMJ and Your Eyesight
Surprisingly, blurred vision can sometimes be linked to TMJ issues. Tension or misalignment in the jaw can affect the nerves and muscles responsible for eye movement. Eye and jaw movements are closely coordinated in humans, and patients often report:
- Eye strain or fatigue
- Sensitivity to light
- Occasional blurred vision
These symptoms are frequently mistaken for eye problems, but TMJ may be the hidden cause.
- Facial Pain: TMJ and Inflammation
Facial pain, swelling, or a sense of pressure around the cheeks and jaw are common signs of TMJ. Poor jaw alignment leads to the contraction of jaw-closing muscles, which also affect the facial muscles. When these muscles tighten, facial muscles contract as well, causing:
- Pain while smiling
- Puffiness due to disrupted lymphatic and venous drainage
- General discomfort in the face
These issues often stem from TMJ-related inflammation.
- Fatigue and Tiredness: How TMJ Drains Your Energy
Constant jaw tension and pain can result in fatigue. Because TMJ often causes neck posture issues, the whole body compensates, leading to energy depletion. Many TMJ patients also suffer from sleep disturbances, such as teeth grinding (bruxism), which worsen fatigue. With poor sleep quality, managing daytime tiredness becomes harder, and untreated TMJ disorders can leave you feeling perpetually exhausted.
How Dr. Hartrick Treats These Unusual TMJ Symptoms
Dr. Nancy Hartrick, DDS, specializes in treating the root causes of TMJ disorders with a holistic approach.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Dr. Hartrick thoroughly assesses your jaw, neck, shoulders, and overall posture to understand how these areas work together.
- Non-Surgical Treatments: Emphasizing non-invasive therapies, Dr. Hartrick starts with custom orthotic devices to relieve tension and correct alignment. Additional supportive therapies, such as physical therapy, can improve outcomes once the primary issue is addressed.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Each patient receives a treatment plan tailored to their unique symptoms and needs, ensuring effective and lasting relief.
If you’re experiencing any of these unusual TMJ symptoms, don’t wait to seek help. Contact Dr. Nancy Hartrick, DDS, at 248-712-1149 to begin your journey toward a pain-free life. Dr. Hartrick is here to help you find lasting relief from TMJ-related issues.