Ear and jaw pain can be caused by referred pain, as well as certain medical conditions.
If you are experiencing ear and jaw pain, you will know that the issues can be very uncomfortable. In many cases, pain affects the ear and jaw at the same time because they are located so close together. Ear and jaw pain can be caused by a number of factors, including referred pain from elsewhere in the body; or a medical condition in the ear or jaw. Read on to find out what could be causing your discomfort and how it can be resolved…
TMJ can affect the ear and jaw
In many cases, pain in the ear and jaw is related to the temporomandibular jaw (TMJ). The TMJ includes the jaw, as well as the nearby muscles. The TMJ is located next to the temporal bone, which includes the inner ear. Because of their proximity to each other, the ear and jaw may both be impacted by dysfunction of the TMJ. Facial and ear pain are two very common symptoms of TMJ.
Jaw and ear pain can trigger a migraine
There is a strong connection between jaw and ear pain and migraines. When pain occurs in the jaw and ears close to the TMJ, it can trigger a migraine. Migraines are often characterised by pain in one or both sides of the head, as well as visual disturbances, nausea and sensitivity to sound, smell and light.
Teeth grinding can cause pain
If you have a habit of clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth at night, you run the risk of developing a TMJ disorder. This, in turn, can lead to symptoms such as jaw and ear pain. Grinding your teeth can also wear away at your teeth over time and may even affect the alignment of your teeth. The habit can also cause deterioration of the TMJ and strain your facial muscles. If you grind your teeth, it is important that you speak to your dentist about ways in which the issue can be addressed. Your dentist will recommend a solution designed to alleviate any painful symptoms and prevent further damage to your teeth and TMJ.
Untreated dental issues can lead to ear and jaw pain
There are a number of oral health issues that can lead to ear and jaw pain. Dental problems such as cavities, gum disease and abscessed teeth can all cause considerable damage to the teeth and gums and can cause pain to spread beyond the mouth. For this reason, it is important that you have any issues identified and treated as soon as possible and that you see your dentist for regular check-ups.
Sinus infection can be painful
If you are suffering from a sinus infection, it is likely that you will experience ear and jaw pain. A sinus infection can occur when the nasal passages become inflamed and irritated as a result of a cold or allergies or as the result of a virus. If you have sinusitis, it is advisable that you see your doctor. They will recommend a treatment for you, which will resolve the infection and alleviate any uncomfortable symptoms.
What causes jaw cracking?
One of the most common causes of jaw cracking is TMJ disorder. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jawbone to the skull — when this joint does not function as it should, it can lead to a TMJ disorder, which may cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Along with a cracking or popping sound in the jaw, you may also notice jaw pain and stiffness, as well as locking of the jaw and limited mobility. Pain from the jaw often radiates into the face, neck, shoulders, and head and can even lead to chronic headaches.
Other possible causes of a cracking jaw include arthritis, which occurs when the joints become inflamed and damaged. It can result from injuries such as dislocation of the jaw and myofascial pain syndrome, a condition that can cause severe pain in the muscles of the jaw, neck, and shoulders.
When the upper and lower jaws are misaligned, it is possible to experience some of the symptoms associated with a TMJ disorder, such as a cracking jaw and difficulty with functions like biting and chewing.
In some cases, a jaw that cracks or snaps and pain in the area could be a sign of an infection in the jawbone, temporomandibular joint, or salivary glands. This type of infection could also lead to symptoms like swelling, fever, and difficulty when opening the mouth.
What causes a locked jaw?
One of the possible causes of a tight, locked and clicking jaw is a temporomandibular joint disorder. TMDs often cause pain in the jaws and surrounding muscles, as well as locking in the temporomandibular joints between the lower jaw and temporal bone.
Another possible cause of the issue is stress, which can lead to clenching of the jaw and/or teeth grinding. These habits can lead to jaw pain and tightness that worsens when biting, chewing, and speaking. Severe teeth grinding can also cause pain and tension in the facial muscles and neck, potentially leading to headaches and ear pain.
Certain conditions can also lead to a tight jaw — these include rheumatoid arthritis; osteoarthritis; and tetanus. Facial trauma, which can occur as the result of an accident or sports injury, can affect the jaw’s ability to move as it should, which can in turn lead to pain and tightness.
How can you relieve a tight jaw?
It is sometimes possible to alleviate tightness in the jaw by exercising and stretching the jaw muscles. Certain exercises can help to relieve tension in the muscles while also stretching and strengthening the muscles of the neck and jaw.
If your symptoms are caused by clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth, your dentist may recommend that you address any issues with your bite, teeth, or the position of your jaw.
Other possible treatments include neuromuscular orthotics, low level laser therapy, trigger point therapy and treatment of breathing dysfunction when necessary. Neuromodulator injections can also be used, in which case they are administered into the jaw muscles to alleviate tightness and tension.
How can we help?
At TMJ Centre Melbourne, we take a holistic approach when it comes to the treatment of TMJ disorders and related pain. Our chiropractor and dentist team works together to provide long-term, sustainable solutions. The treatment that suits you best will depend on your particular symptoms, as well as the cause of your pain. A combination of neuromuscular orthotics, low level laser therapy, trigger point therapy, prolotherapy and breathing dysfunction treatment may be recommended for you.
To find out more about your treatment options at our practice, please have a look here.
To arrange a consultation, please get in touch with us here or give us a call on 03 9417 4038. We look forward to welcoming you to our practice in Melbourne.
