What exactly is TMJ?

The TMJ is an abbreviation for Temporomandibular Joint, or jaw joint. There are two TMJ’s, 1 in front of each ear, where the jaw bone meets the temple. If you place your little finger into your ear and open and close your mouth, you can feel movement.  They are probably the most used as well as the most complex joints inside the body because they operate in unison to help you talk, eat, sing, shout, and swallow. It is said that each time you swallow, you’re applying over 25 lbs of pressure upon your jaw, which makes it simple to comprehend why there’s discomfort if the joint does not work properly!

TMJD or temporomandibular joint disorder (also called TMD or just TMJ) is a ailment that includes the jaw joint and jaw muscles, producing head, neck, face, and of course, jaw pain. TMJD fluctuates in intensity from a minor problem that disappears fairly quickly with self-care to a severe, chronic, devastating disorder that can cause chronic pain. Some symptoms of TMJ disorder: pain or issues when opening or closing mouth, headaches, popping and/or clicking in the jaw joints, neck/shoulder/back pain, ear pain/fullness, and, of course… tinnitus.

What exactly is Tinnitus? 

Tinnitus is defined as a tone in one ear or both ears, along the lines of buzzing, whooshing, ringing, or whistling, occurring without an external stimulus. Meaning that the sound the individual is hearing comes from inside the person’s own head and not from outside sources. It could be because of a medical condition, including TMJ disorder, an ear infection, hearing loss, side effects of particular drugs, a blocked auditory tube or canal, or a head trauma.

 

What’s the connection between TMJ & tinnitus?

In the event the jaw is not working properly, it can lead to many problems, like TMJ and tinnitus. It’s probable that somewhere around half of the sufferers who have TMJ disorder also identify tinnitus or ringing in their ears as another one of their symptoms.

Given that the ear and jaw share blood flow and nerves… headaches, fatigue, and tension within the jaw muscles have been discovered as being higher in tinnitus sufferers. TMJ patients who have tight muscles within the jaw area might be causing the small muscles within the ear to tighten up, which often can in turn cause tinnitus.

We know that TMJ and tinnitus can be remarkably discouraging and can also make you feel hopeless at times…but don’t worry too much, there are answers. Visit Tinnitus Sucks! to hear more about how Braeden fought ringing ears and jaw pain and is now feeling much better. You can also submit your story to share with other tinnitus sufferers.