At first, jaw pain may not seem like a big deal. You might be able to tolerate it easily enough or even ignore it altogether. However, that pain could indicate that you have TMJ disorder (TMD), a complex medical condition that afflicts the jaw joints (TMJs). Without treatment, this disorder can lead to some serious consequences down the road. What are the potential dangers of untreated TMD, and how can you avoid them? This blog post explains.
Chronic Aches and Pains
TMD symptoms may come and go, but as long as the underlying cause of the problem is not addressed, you are likely to experience flare-ups of pain. The problem may become chronic. It could even serve as a migraine trigger.
Also worth noting is the fact that TMD is a descending disorder. In other words, it can cause musculoskeletal issues throughout the body. People with TMD often struggle with shoulder pain, neckaches, and back pain.
Joint Damage
Inflammation commonly occurs in patients with TMD. Short-term inflammation is harmless — in fact, it can even be helpful. However, when the inflammation becomes chronic, it can cause joint damage. Untreated TMD is even linked to a heightened risk of arthritis in the jaw.
Sleep Problems
TMD sometimes occurs because the lower jaw is not resting in the correct position. This issue can affect your upper airway and lead to breathing problems, particularly during sleep. As a result, you may suffer from daily exhaustion, an increased risk of car accidents, and many other potential complications.
Reduced Daily Quality of Life
Untreated TMD might affect your quality of life in a few ways:
- Difficulty eating. You might not be able to eat chewy or hard foods, which may impact your nutrition and your social life.
- Reduced physical activity. The pain caused by TMD may cause you to cut back on physical activity, which could lead to weight gain and other issues.
- Mood problems. Persistent pain is commonly associated with irritability and mood swings.
Protecting Your Jaw Health
While the above information might seem a little scary, the good news is that TMD is highly treatable. The best treatment method varies from person to person, so you should consult a qualified dental professional to learn about your options.
TMD might seem like no big deal at first, but it should not be ignored! Seek treatment so you can avoid the long-term consequences of this condition.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Sheng Ji is a highly skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeon. He is proud to serve the Carmicheal, CA community. He offers noninvasive TMJ therapy and, when necessary, can perform corrective surgery. To learn how he may be able to help you find relief from persistent jaw pain and associated symptoms, contact our office at 916-961-1902.