TMJ Symptoms & Treatment | Georgia TMJ Surgeon Dr. Fred Simonton


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A variety of symptoms can be attributed to TMJ Syndrome, with the most easily identifiable relating to conditions involving the TMJ, teeth, head, ears, and face:

	Clicking or popping of the TMJ
	Locking of the TMJ
	Bite change
	Ear symptoms
	Headaches from TMJ symptoms
	Depression and sleep deprivation from chronic TMJ pain

Clicking or popping of the TMJ

The most common TMJ symptom is clicking or popping of the jaw joint. This noise often signifies a displaced TMJ cartilage disc and can even be loud enough for others to hear. The TMJ clicking might not accompany pain at the time, but the muscle tension that comes along with TMJ disc displacement will often contribute to head, neck, and facial pain.

Locking of the TMJ

Sometimes the TMJ will actually catch or lock in place. A person suffering from TMJ syndrome might not be able to freely open his mouth. If his jaw locks, he might have to move his jaw to one side to open wide or open until he hears or feels a pop to signify the TMJ is unlocked.

Bite change caused by TMJ dislocation

Another TMJ symptom is the altering of the way a person's teeth fit together if the TMJ is dislocated and the bones and cartilage disc no longer fit together the way they did before the TMJ dislocation.

Ear symptoms caused by TMJ trauma

With the TMJ so close to the ears, trauma or injury to the TMJ can cause ear symptoms to appear such as pain, stuffiness, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Headaches from TMJ symptoms

Several TMJ symptoms can lead directly to headache pain, one of the most common complaints among TMJ sufferers. A displaced TMJ cartilage disc can cause joint pain that radiates into a headache. Teeth grinding and clenching cause muscle tension and pain that can lead to TMJ-related headaches, which are most commonly located in the temples.

Depression and sleep deprivation from chronic TMJ pain

Depression is also a commonly reported TMJ symptom. TMJ sufferers often struggle with depression in trying to deal with a highly misunderstood pain disorder. Sleep deprivation can also exacerbate depression, and TMJ patients often complain of jaw pain that prevents them from getting a good night's sleep.