San Francisco and Marin CA
Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD), often called TMJ, is usually associated with jaw pain or clicking sounds. But TMJ issues can show up in unexpected ways, affecting other parts of the body. At Glen Park Dental, we understand that poor jaw alignment also impacts the neck and overall posture—a concept sometimes referred to as Cranio Cervical Mandibular Dysfunction (CCMD).
Taking a holistic approach, we look beyond the jaw to diagnose and treat TMJ, uncovering symptoms many don’t realize are related to this condition.
1. Eye Twitching: A Surprising TMJ Symptom
Random eye twitching, or myokymia, might be related to your jaw. Jaw misalignment or facial muscle tension can interfere with nerves controlling eye movements, causing involuntary spasms. If other causes are ruled out, TMJ may be behind this twitching.
2. Vertigo and Dizziness: More Than Just Balance Issues
Vertigo (a spinning sensation) and dizziness can be linked to TMJ, as misalignment affects the head, neck, and inner ear balance mechanisms. TMJ-related issues can cause:
- Pressure on the inner ear
- Misalignment of the top neck vertebra (atlas), un-leveling the head and balance organs
- Muscle tension leading to disorientation and balance problems
3. Numbness and Tingling: TMJ’s Impact on Your Nerves
Numbness or tingling in the face, neck, or arms may be related to TMJ tension affecting the trigeminal nerve, which supplies sensation to much of the face. Symptoms can appear in:
- Cheeks
- Lips
- Scalp
- Shoulders or arms (in more severe cases)
4. Sinus and Ear Problems: Hidden TMJ Symptoms
Chronic sinus pressure or earaches may stem from TMJ, as jaw dysfunction can:
- Press near the ear canal, causing fullness or pressure
- Affect sinuses, mimicking sinus infections
5. Neck, Shoulder, and Arm Pain: TMJ’s Far-Reaching Effects
Because the jaw, neck, and shoulders work together, TMJ can cause pain beyond the jaw, including:
- Neck stiffness from muscle tension
- Shoulder pain from strain linked to jaw misalignment
- Arm discomfort radiating from upper body tension
6. Nausea: An Overlooked TMJ Symptom
TMJ can disrupt the vestibular system that controls balance and spatial orientation, sometimes causing nausea or motion sickness-like feelings.
7. Blurred Vision: TMJ and Your Eyesight
Jaw tension and misalignment can impact nerves and muscles controlling eye movement, causing:
- Eye strain or fatigue
- Sensitivity to light
- Occasional blurred vision
8. Facial Pain and Swelling: TMJ and Inflammation
Poor jaw alignment causes tightness in jaw-closing muscles and coordinated facial muscles. This tension can lead to:
- Facial pain or pressure
- Puffiness due to impaired lymphatic and venous drainage
- Pain even when smiling or moving facial muscles
9. Fatigue and Tiredness: How TMJ Drains Your Energy
Constant jaw and neck tension make the body work harder to compensate, draining your energy. Sleep disturbances like teeth grinding worsen fatigue, leading to chronic tiredness.
How Glen Park Dental Treats These Unusual TMJ Symptoms
We use a holistic, comprehensive approach to treat TMJ and related symptoms by considering the entire head, neck, and shoulder complex.
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Assessing jaw, neck, shoulders, and posture to find the root causes.
- Non-Surgical Treatments: Custom orthotics to realign the jaw and neck, plus supportive therapies like physical therapy and myofunctional therapy.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Tailored care based on your unique symptoms for lasting relief.
If you’re experiencing any of these unusual symptoms, don’t wait to get help. Call Glen Park Dental at (415) 799-3900 to begin your journey toward relief and better health.
