Pain caused by a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) flare up can feel debilitating. That kind of intense discomfort in your jaw may make you feel like you can’t go to work, take care of things around the house, or even simply lay back and relax.
Let’s quickly review the basics of your TMJ itself and the closely related TMJ disorder. Then we’ll take a closer look at what TMJ flare up feels like and, most importantly, how to address and resolve this problem.
What is a TMJ?
Your TMJ itself is the joint that connects your skull to your jawbone. It plays a crucial role in the normal function of the human body, from speaking to eating. In casual discussions, the term “TMJ” by itself can also refer to temporomandibular disorder (TMD). No matter what you call it, these TMJ problems include everything from the mostly harmless, like clicking or popping of your jaw, to teeth grinding and serious pain and discomfort.What is a TMJ Flare Up?
A TMJ flare up is a pretty simple concept, although it’s by no means pleasant. It’s the sudden emergence of pain in your jawbone, ears, and other areas near the TMJ. More specific TMJ flare up symptoms include:- Constant or intermittent jaw pain
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Throbbing or piercing headaches
- Ear pain, whether sharp or dull
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Jaw and general facial swelling
- Muscle spasms
- Tightness in the jaw
