Jaw pain can originate from one of several areas related to the jaw. This pain usually comes from the teeth, muscles, or bones of the jaw. Other possible sources of jaw pain could be the ears, sinuses, or even the heart.
Pain is usually an indicator that something is wrong. Therefore, it's important that a medical professional diagnoses the cause of your jaw pain.
At NY Neurology Associates, we are dedicated to providing the best treatment for our patients. Our team of highly-skilled doctors knows what it takes to help relieve your pain. Schedule an appointment today for pain management at one of our offices in New York.
Jaw pain is usually caused by a temporomandibular disorder, a condition affecting the movement of the jaw. However, there are several other common causes of jaw pain. Below are some of the possible temporomandibular disorders and other conditions that can cause jaw pain.
TMJ disorders affect the bones, muscles, and ligaments surrounding the jaw joint. They can also affect the nerves associated with chronic facial pain. You may feel tenderness in your jaw that feels like a toothache, headache, or earache.
The pain from TMJ disorders can be worse while eating. They may also cause limited jaw movement. In some cases, TMJ disorders can cause a stiff neck and shoulder pain that spreads down the arm.
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is usually related to anxiety and stress. Other factors may include sleep apnea and genetics.
Teeth grinding usually causes pain in the jaw area, face, and neck, as well as headaches. You are also likely to have some dental problems, like fractures or worn-down teeth. In addition, teeth clenching and excessive gum chewing can cause muscle pain in your jaw.
You may experience jaw pain if you have dental problems. For example, a cracked tooth may cause a dull, intermittent pain that increases when biting or eating.
A cavity may also cause pain that is sensitive to hot or cold food. Other dental problems that may cause jaw pain include tooth abscesses and gum disease.
Ear and sinus infections are common causes of jaw pain. A sinus infection may cause a fever, headache, and nasal congestion. An ear infection could also cause hearing difficulties, vertigo, and nausea.
Injuries to the face or jaw, including a dislocated or broken jaw, can cause severe pain.
You can experience jaw pain if a blood vessel presses against the trigeminal nerve. This condition causes shooting pain up one side of your face.
The symptoms of jaw pain will depend on the underlying cause of the pain. The symptoms of jaw pain may include the following:
If you are concerned about pain in your jaw, you should see a doctor, dentist, or oral surgeon.
Your doctor should be able to diagnose jaw pain, so it's best to book an appointment if your pain continues for an extended period. Your healthcare professional can reveal the cause of your discomfort, as there could be several reasons for it.
In rare instances, jaw pain can be related to medical emergencies such as a heart attack. If you have persistent pain along with symptoms such as chest pain, trouble breathing, sweating, or dizziness, seek immediate medical attention.
Specific medications can be prescribed to relieve jaw pain, depending on the cause. The following list provides treatment options for some of the most common causes of jaw pain.
Our team of dedicated professionals at NY Neurology Associates strives to provide the best treatment options for patients. We look forward to helping you address your jaw issues by utilizing the latest advances in modern medicine.
Book an appointment today at one of our offices in New York to learn more about what we can do to help!
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