A lot of people are affected by disorders like TMJ or throat pain, and they get confused because they do not know the difference between them. But do not worry because you can get detailed information about both problems here. Pain or difficulty in the head and neck in various areas is due to TMJ pain or throat pain. The temporomandibular joint that connects your jaw and head. When it is not functioning properly, it produces pain in the jaw, face, and also in the throat.
Mostly, this pain is related to muscle tension, inflammation, or jaw disorders. You can feel soreness or tightness in the jaw during TMJ pain. Also, you can experience popping or clicking sounds while moving your mouth.
Whether in the throat pain, you can feel soreness, a lump sensation, or difficulty swallowing food particles. It's important to know the difference between TMJ and throat pain. It can help you to find the issues and take precautions.
This guide will help you to learn about their differences and their signs, causes, and symptoms. You can also learn how to manage while having TMJ and throat pain.
What Does TMJ Pain Feel Like?
TMJ, also known as a temporomandibular joint disorder, can cause different problems and make actions like eating and speaking painful. Here, we give every single detail about it, including common symptoms of TMJ pain:
Jaw Pain and Tenderness
The most common sign that identifies TMJ pain is feeling pain in the jaw joint itself. The pain accuracy is mild or sometimes gets severe because of chewing, yawning, or talking. When you touch the affected area around the jaw or apply any kind of pressure, it feels very painful. It can make some actions difficult, like brushing, talking, and eating.
Clicking or Popping Sounds in the Jaw
The second symptom of TMJ is noticeable, like when you hear a sound clicking or popping sound during the opening or closing of your mouth. This is because the disc that cushions the joints slips from its normal position and snaps back while moving the jaw. It can be heard normally by you or the people around you.
Difficulty Opening or Closing Your Mouth
If you feel a limited jaw moment, it is a symptom of TMJ. Because of this, the movement of the jaw becomes less and more difficult. You feel challenged while trying to open or close your mouth. This limited motion may lead to inflammation or disorder in the joint.
Earache and Headache
The main thing is that ears have a connection with the TMJ joints. So, there are more chances that you feel pain in the ear or in the head. You can experience pain in the ear deeply, while pain in the head is just around the temples. It can be mild or sharp and depends on the jaw movement.
Facial Pain
Many cases show that TMJ becomes the cause of pain in the different areas of the face, mostly in the cheeks, jawline, or temples. The pain severity is different for everyone, and it can be mild or sharp. Like TMJ, facial pain increases in cases of movement, such as speaking or chewing, and may also be related to muscle tension.
Why Does TMJ Cause Throat Pain?
TMJ affects the jaw joints, but it can also cause pain in different areas, mostly in the throat. This situation is very confusing, but there are clear reasons for this connection:
Muscle Tension and Referred Pain
The main reason behind TMJ throat pain is muscle tension. When there is too much work on jaw muscles due to TMJ, they become tight and tense. This tension spreads around the muscles, which also include the neck and throat, causing discomfort or pain.
Also, referred pain plays a big role. This happens when pain is spread to various parts. If we talk about TMJ, pain starts in the jaw joint and spreads to the throat, and you can feel a sour throat.
How to Differentiate TMJ Throat Pain from Other Conditions?
Knowing about the TMJ throat pain from other causes is a very important step. Viruses or bacteria are the main cause of sore throats. Here is how to make a difference:
- TMJ throat pain is connected to jaw pain, clicking, or difficulty opening your mouth.
- The pain increases when there is a movement like chewing in the jaw.
- If comparing, sore throat is caused by virus or bacterial infections. The most common symptoms are fever, cough, or runny nose.
FAQs
Can TMJ Cause a Sore Throat?
Yes, TMJ becomes the reason for sore throat. In case jaw muscles get harder due to overworking. It will also cause tension in surrounding muscles and the neck or throat, which also results in a sore throat.
How Do I Know If My Throat Pain Is Related to TMJ?
In case the throat pain is caused by other TMJ symptoms, which include jaw pain, clicking, or difficulty opening your mouth, it looks like TMJ.
Can TMJ Cause Difficulty Swallowing?
Many times, the muscles are affected by the TMJ that is used for swallowing, making it difficult to swallow food. It is mostly caused by tension.
Should I See a Doctor for TMJ Throat Pain?
If you are facing severe pain due to TMJ throat pain, it is recommended to visit a dentist or healthcare provider. They can identify the cause of your symptoms and provide the best treatment methods.
Conclusion
TMJ is a very painful condition that has bad effects on the patient's jaw. You can feel irritation in various parts, like the throat, so it's important to know the symptoms and causes related to the TMJ for better precautions. When you already know the signs and symptoms, it helps you quickly make decisions and take control of this problem before it increases. If you feel some symptoms like jaw pain, throat pain, or clicking sounds in your jaw, then visit your nearest dental doctor for the perfect treatment.