Are You Suffering From TMD?

Do you find yourself regularly waking up with a headache? Or do you frequently experience discomfort in your face and neck? If so, you may be experiencing the symptoms of a common condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder, also called TMD. This condition leaves patients with chronic issues that affect the muscles of the face and the temporomandibular joint, which is the hinge that connects the jaw to the skull. You can feel this joint when you touch the back of your jaw near your ear and then open and close your mouth.

Symptoms of TMD

Many patients who suffer from TMD are often misdiagnosed because a number of the symptoms mimic those of other medical conditions. Patients often visit a different medical practitioner looking for a diagnosis and become confused when they don’t find the cause of their symptoms. For example, patients may experience regular earaches and visit the doctor thinking they have an ear infection, only to learn their ears are fine. TMD symptoms can include:

• Headaches, neck, or shoulder pain
• Trouble chewing
• Clicking or popping in the jaw
• Jaw discomfort or pain
• Difficulty sleeping
• Locked jaw
• Teeth grinding
• Discomfort or ringing of the ears
• Difficulty chewing and swallowing

Importance of Receiving Treatment

There are many people who are living with TMD but have not been properly diagnosed and are not receiving treatment. TMD can affect various aspects of your daily life. It can be difficult to bite and chew certain foods. Opening your mouth can be uncomfortable. TMD is a condition that will progress and continue to affect your quality of life. We are able to treat TMD symptoms and will provide an evaluation to determine which treatment method will be best for your needs.

If you or a loved one is suffering from one or more of the symptoms above and live in the Charlotte, NC area, be sure to contact our office to learn more about how we can improve your quality of life. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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