What is TMJ?
TMJ is short for temporomandibular joint, which connects your lower jaw to your skull. This jaw joint helps you talk, chew, drink, and yawn. It is present right in front of your ears, which is why you might hear a clicking sound when you move your lower jaw. TMJ Disorder and Dizziness are often linked, as issues with the jaw joint can affect balance.
A disorder of this joint is simply known as TMD or TMJ disorder. Which presents in various ways.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder:
Tmj symptoms include
- Jaw pain and discomfort
- Tmj pain or tenderness right in front of your ears
- Soreness of jaw muscles
- Headache
- Clicking sounds from the jaw
- Restricted jaw movement
- And yes, dizziness and vertigo
TMJ and Dizziness: What's the Connection?
It is a very little-known fact, but TMJ and vertigo are related to each other. Not only this, TMD doesn't just affect your jaw; it is known to cause other ear-related symptoms, namely ringing, a feeling of fullness, and even pain. While the exact root cause of this connection isn't fully understood yet, there are some well supported theories that help to explain why it might happen.
Understand How Balance is Maintained
Our body's balance centre is inside our ears, precisely the inner ear in a part known as the vestibular system. This system has tiny canals or tubes that contain liquid inside them. When you move your head, the liquid moves, telling your brain about the movement. To understand this more closely, remember the time you were in a playground on a merry-go-round, and your head keeps spinning even after you stop. This is because the fluid in your ear is still moving, making it harder for your brain to understand your orientation.
Now that you understand the role of the balance centre, let's talk about the ways temporomandibular joint disorder can influence it
Proximity To The Balance Centre:
Since the TMJ is so close to this balance centre, the connection between TMJ problems and vertigo or dizziness is easier to understand. Due to the proximity, problems in your jaw can affect the nearby structures, including the inner ear, making you experience dizziness.
Nerve Involvement
There is a nerve known as the trigeminal nerve that controls facial sensations and the movement of your jaw. It is also connected to the vestibular system, which helps maintain your balance, as we discussed in the last section. When TMJ issues irritate the nerve, it can influence the balance system, leading to lightheadedness and vertigo symptoms.
The Role Of Neck
TMJ dysfunction or disorders can cause the muscles in the jaw, neck, and shoulders to tighten. This muscle tightening can compress nerves, particularly those involved in balance maintenance. It may also reduce blood flow to parts of the brain that control your spatial orientation, causing dizziness.
How Is It Treated?
If you’re experiencing dizziness or vertigo, there is a chance that there is an underlying TMJ issue. You need to visit your dentist, who can assess your issue and make a correct diagnosis. The possible TMJ treatment options include
- Mouthguards to reduce muscle strain
- Physical therapy
- Warm and cold compresses
- Medications like pain relievers and muscle relaxants.
Conclusions
Dizziness isn't always caused by problems with your brain; it can start from somewhere you didn't expect. Yes, your jaw! TMJ disorders cause dizziness due to it's intricate connection to the vestibular system in the inner ear, which helps to maintain balance.
If you are feeling off-balance with tenderness in your jaw, there is a chance you have a TMD leading to dizziness. Understanding the link between TMJ and vertigo is the first step towards your recovery. Contact us today if you suspect TMJ-related dizziness.