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There are many possible reasons for the pain in the jaw and neck. One of these is TMJ disorder, the most common jaw joint problem. If you are suffering from this condition, it would be better to visit your dentist. Why? A dental checkup can detect dental complications and treat the problem early. For further reading, click here.
An Introduction About Pain in The Jaw and Neck
The pain in the jaw muscles radiates to the different parts of the face and neck. It can happen because of sinuses, toothaches, complications with the veins or nerves, or other conditions.
Most kinds of neck and jaw pain result from the temporomandibular joint problem. Most of the time, this pain does not need immediate medical consideration. However, the pain in the jaw and neck can indicate a more extreme underlying condition that requires treatment.
Furthermore, the particular and accompanying symptoms of jaw and neck pain will vary depending on the reason. They may incorporate:
- the limited scope of movement
- facial pain that deteriorates when the individual uses their jaw
- tenderness of jaw muscles and joints
- jaw alignment complications
- earaches
- ringing in the ears
- clicking or popping sounds when using the jaw
- jaw locking
- headaches and pressure behind the eyes
- tension or other headaches
- vertigo
- dizziness
- pain that goes from a dull yearn to a sharp, cutting sensation
- toothache
- nerve-type pain, like a burning sensation
- facial swelling
- fever
Anyone concerned about pain in the jaw and neck should visit a dentist, doctor, or oral surgeon.
Seven Top Reasons for Jaw and Neck Pain
There are many possible causes why you are experiencing the pain in jaw and neck. Common reasons include:
TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder is a complication in the jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints, and the nerves connected to persistent facial and neck pain. Any issue that forestalls the complex system of bones, joints, and muscles from functioning together in harmony may result in TMJ disorder.
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are the two joints that attach your lower jaw to your skull. They incorporate the lower jaw or mandible and the temporal bone. The TMJs are among the most intricate joints in the body. Alongside a few muscles, these joints allow the lower jaw to go all over, side to side, and advance and back. The correctly aligned mandible and joints can smooth muscle movement such as talking, chewing, swallowing, and yawning. Once these structures are not aligned properly, this may create numerous complications.
TMJ disorder has three classifications, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). These include:
Myofascial pain: This condition is the most widely recognized type of TMJ disorder. It brings about pain in the connective tissue, causing the muscles and the muscles that regulate the jaw, neck, and shoulder to work.
Internal imbalance of the joint: This classification implies a displaced disk dislocated jaw. A disk is the pad of cartilage between the top of the jaw bone and the skull. Or it may also indicate a problem with the condyle. This part is the curved end of the jaw bone that explains the temporal skull bone.
Degenerative joint disease: This area includes rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis in the jaw joint.
Teeth Grinding and Clenching
Also known as bruxism, this condition can lead to huge tooth harm and jaw pain. Many people clench and grind their teeth while they sleep or at times of emotional distress.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis and different sorts of arthritis can cause the consistent interface between the joints, and eventually, the actual bones to erode. This condition can result in bone pain.
Also, inflammatory issues like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and synovitis cause soreness in the joints. If these conditions influence the jaw bone joint, jaw and neck pain can occur.
Dental conditions
Cavities, damaged teeth, gum disease, dental abscesses, and tooth gaps can lead to jaw pain.
Neuropathic pain
This kind of pain happens when nerves become harmed and send pain indications to the brain. Manifestations can be continuous or occur every once in a while.
Instances of neuropathic pain incorporate postherpetic neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, and cancer-related pain.
Vascular conditions
Some of the time, an issue with the vascular framework can result in jaw and neck pain. A few instances of vascular conditions are temporal arteritis, angina, and giant cell arteritis.
The temporal arteritis affects the arteries on either side of the head, which is inflamed, causing headaches and jaw pain. People with this condition may also put their vision in danger.
Angina can occur when the heart does not get sufficient oxygen-rich blood, typically because of a coronary artery blockage. It can result in chest discomfort and jaw pain. An individual who has angina is likewise in danger of encountering a heart attack.
Tension headaches
A study stated that a certain group of people with temporomandibular jaw pain likewise experience headaches. However, there seems to be no connection between the two conditions. Hence, it is unclear whether there is a connection between headache and jaw pain.
Complications
Complications can emerge if the individual does not look for medical attention for their neck and jaw pain. The difficulties will rely upon the reason and other factors, as well as the treatment method.
Some potential complications of jaw and neck pain include:
- infections
- emotional distress
- surgical complications
- ongoing pain
- dental complications
- loss of appetite because of discomfort or trouble biting and swallowing
Treatment for Jaw and Neck Pain
Treatment will rely upon the cause of the pain. Several choices are accessible.
A specialist may recommend the following medications:
- muscle relaxants
- antibiotics, if tests uncover a possible bacterial infection
- oral, spray, or topical prescriptions for pain relief
- steroid injections to diminish aggravation or swelling
- antiviral treatment, to treat viral contaminations like herpes zoster
Sometimes, surgical procedure might be essential to eliminate any harmed bone or to rebuild the jaw.
Some physical therapies incorporate:
- wearing mouth protectors like a night guard
- stretching to build muscle flexibility
- trying relaxation treatment
- doing physical therapy
- checking posture to avoid back and neck strain
Some dental treatment choices include:
- heat or cold therapy
- tooth extraction
- root canal treatment
Other alternative remedies incorporate:
- massage
- acupuncture
- adopting a soft eating regimen to prevent too much jaw movement
