When we first think of symptoms that relate to TMJ we think of “Jaw pain”. Although, let us dive further into what patients feel when experiencing a TMJ flare-up. TMJ disfunction is the inability to open and close the mouth without hearing a clicking or popping sound. This is when the joint is misaligned and creating excess pressure to the area which is causing the clicking/popping sound. Think of the sound when you hear others crack their knuckles (which can cause premature arthritis). That popping sound is gas that has settled between the joints and were released. The same thing goes for our jaws. Other symptoms can be experienced if the problem is not taken care of such as:

• severe headaches         
• loss of hearing         
• tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• a sensation of an object in the throat      
• facial swelling         
• shoulder pain         
• cheek pain        
• neckache       
• pain in or under the ear or eye      
• Pain upon swallowing    
• tooth pain     
• migraine       
• nausea     
• blurred vision or even
• dizziness

When these symptoms arise, it is particularly important to seek chiropractic care.

In addition to the list of symptoms, when sitting in a dentist chair for long periods of time while your jaw, head, neck and lower spine is in an unnatural or uncomfortable position, this could also cause TMJ. Dr. Kuskin strongly encourages a chiropractic appointment after undergoing any dental care.