Jaw pain is commonly linked to TMJ issues, but it can also lead to dizziness. The TMJ disorder affects the area near the ear, and when it does not properly work, it can cause body balance problems. This happens because TMJ is connected to the inner ear, which plays a role in controlling body balance. In case there is inflammation, it can affect the vestibular system and lead to dizziness.
In this article, we help you discover the relationship between TMJ and dizziness. Also, explain the conditions that are linked with it and the maintenance steps to reduce its symptoms. Understanding the connection between both is important for those who face jaw pain and dizziness to adopt proper treatment and relief.
Common TMJ Symptoms Beyond Jaw Pain
Even though jaw pain is the most common symptom of TMJ disorder, some people also experience various signs, some of which are mentioned below:
- Headaches: They can mostly feel pain in the head, especially around the temples or eye areas.
- Earaches: Experience pain around the ears, or they can feel fullness or ringing in tinnitus.
- Neck and Shoulder Pain: Muscle tension increased in the neck and shoulders and it is linked with TMJ issues.
- Difficulty Chewing or Speaking: When affected people eat or talk, they can feel discomfort or pain.
- Jaw Clicking or Popping: An irritating sound is produced when there is movement in the jaw. It indicates joint dysfunction.
- Dizziness or Vertigo: In a few cases, TMJ-effected patients can face loss of balance or feel dizziness. Sometimes the TMJ affects the inner ear.
How Can TMJ Lead to Dizziness?
The main effect of TMJ is that it leads to dizziness because of the deep connection between the temporomandibular joint and the body balance system, also called the vestibular system. In case the TMJ causes inflammation, it can interrupt the signal sent to the inner ear, where this system is located. This situation will produce dizziness or loss of balance.
Role of the Vestibular System
The vestibular plays a role as the body’s balance system. It is basically located in the inner ear and for maintaining body balance. But when the TMJ affects related areas of the ear, like inflammation or dysfuction of joints, it can disturb the normal function of the vestibular system. This situation will produce balance problems and result in vertigo.
Muscle Tension
The main symptom caused by TMJ dysfunction is tension in the jaw muscles or around the neck and shoulders. This muscle tension can affect the body's normal functioning. The main work of these muscles is to keep the head and neck stable, but when they get disturbed, they lead to a loss of balance.
Connection to Neck Pain
Neck pain is the most common TMJ disorder symptom due to strain production in the jaw muscle, neck, and shoulders. As you already know, the neck plays its role in keeping the balance normal, but the pain and tension make it difficult to manage the equilibrium, which leads to dizziness. When both TMJ muscle tension and neck discomfort are combined, they can disrupt your body's stability and result in balance issues.
Symptoms of TMJ-Induced Dizziness
Dizziness happens due to TMJ disorders and feels like irregular body balance, especially when you move your jaw or open it wider. Some other are balance problems, ear disturbance, and ringing because of the vestibular system's improper working.
Differentiating TMJ Dizziness from Other Causes
This is an important step to make the difference between dizziness produced by TMJ disease and various conditions like inner ear issues or vestibular disorders. Here is the comparison to identify the source of dizziness:
|
Symptom |
TMJ-Induced Dizziness |
Other Causes |
|
Associated Pain |
Jaw pain or discomfort, particularly near the ear |
No jaw pain or discomfort associated |
|
Jaw or Neck Tension |
Common muscle tension in the jaw, neck, or shoulders |
No jaw or neck tension present |
|
Ear Involvement |
Ear fullness or mild earache |
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) may be more prominent |
|
Triggering Factors |
Dizziness often triggered by jaw movement or chewing |
Dizziness may occur spontaneously or with head movements |
|
Other Symptoms |
Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw |
Nausea or vomiting may accompany dizziness in other vestibular issues |
Diagnosis of TMJ-Induced Dizziness
In order to identify the dizziness caused by TMJ disorder, a doctor or dentist will start with a physical exam. They can first check the jaw misalignment and tenderness and then listen to the popping or clicking sound produced after moving your jaw. Some tests, like X-rays or MRIs, are also advised by the doctor to confirm the TMJ caused.
Treatment Options
The specific treatment for dizziness focuses on relieving pain and improving joint function. Here are the details:
- Conservative Treatments: Some pain relievers, jaw exercises, and stress management methods are the initial steps.
- Physical Therapy: Also apply physical therapy because it makes the jaw muscles stronger and improves movement.
- Bite Guards: Custom-made night guards are the best way to reduce jaw tension and protect from more damage.
- Invasive Options: If the symptoms remain, use corticosteroid injection, while for extreme situations surgery may be required.
Preventions for Dizziness Due to TMJ Disorders
The best thing is to give all the focus on reducing tension and stress that occur on jaw muscles to protect from loss of balance caused by TMJ disorder. Here are a few measurements for prevention:
- Manage Stress: Muscle tension and jaw clenching are mostly caused by stress. Which mainly lead to TMJ symptoms if not treated. But continuous practices like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation help to reduce stress levels.
- Posture Correction: If you focus on good posture, it protects you from strain on the jaw and neck muscles. Do not sit or keep your neck in irregular positions for long periods.
- Avoid Jaw Clenching: Always try to now clench your jaw, especially at night. Using a nightguard is the best way to reduce TMJ signs and prevent jaw during sleep.
- Regular Exercise: Always do jaw exercises to improve movement and reduce stiffness in the jaw.
Final Verdict
The main thing that TMJ disorder causes is dizziness, and it can lead to various serious health problems. But focusing properly on these issues and managing the symptoms will help a lot, and these steps, which include maintaining good posture and reducing pain and stress, will lower the chances of disturbing body balance called dizziness. And it is done by doing regular exercises, taking meditation, and managing TMJ symptoms.