Jaw joint issues commonly accompany pain and headaches in the jaw area. However, other problems caused by a dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) could surprise you. For instance, this disease might create abrupt sensations of lightheadedness and spinning, which can be a disruption to your sense of balance.
Vertigo is a common symptom of TMJ disorder, and if you feel that you have this condition, you may ask how the two conditions are related and how you might treat issues with your jaw joint to get relief from vertigo.
The inner ear is one of the body’s parts that is considered among the most complex systems in the human body. This intricate and delicate system plays an important role in detecting sound, your feeling of balance, and your ability to orient yourself in space. When something is “wrong” with your inner ear, it can be difficult to establish the root of the problem and figure out the best way to fix it.
TMJ and Related Symptoms
Temporomandibular joint disease, or TMJ, is a condition that can affect either one of your jaw joints or both of them. TMJ can be caused by a wide variety of issues, including trauma to the jaw, arthritis, inflammatory illnesses, and even the habit of clenching and grinding one’s teeth. TMJ can be caused by several factors, including genetics, hormones, and lifestyle.
The temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) has a wide scope, as it can influence a variety of bodily components and functions connected to your jaw. You may encounter any one or more of the following symptoms if you have TMJ:
- jaw joint pain or tenderness
- jaw pain
- painful popping, clicking, or grating of the jaw joint
- Jaw muscle stiffness
- neck and shoulder pain
- facial soreness or discomfort
- Frequent headaches
- Inability to open or close your mouth because of a locked jaw
- discomfort or difficulty chewing
- Vision issues
- Ear issues, including pressure, pain, and tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
- Vertigo/dizziness
What is Vertigo?
The University of California San Francisco Medical Center defines vertigo as the perception that one’s surroundings shift while one remains still. You may frequently get the sensation of rotating horizontally or vertically or moving in a whirling or spinning motion. During these episodes, it can cause eye movements that are not voluntarily controlled, a loss of hearing, and nausea.
A problem within the inner ear is frequently the root cause of the disorder. Due to the tight relationship that the joints have with the inner ear, it is now known that a TMJ condition can cause a person to feel as though they are spinning.
Movement and focus are both impacted by vertigo. The ongoing disruption of your equilibrium has further negative effects on you, including feelings of weariness, tension, and anxiety.
Constant loss of balance can impair your life in other ways, affecting your movement and focus. Depression, weariness, stress, and worry are common among those suffering from vertigo and dizziness.
How are TMJ and Vertigo Related?
Having vertigo is typically characterized by a sense of being “off-balance” or dizzy and having the impression that the world is whirling around you. Additionally, it may be accompanied by symptoms such as a headache, ringing in the ears, or nausea.
Problems in the inner ear are frequently thought to cause vertigo. This is because the inner ear is one of three body systems responsible for relaying information to your brain about your body’s equilibrium. The brain can assemble and compare information and assess whether or not your body is balanced based on what it sees, what it feels from your muscles and joints (proprioception), and what it hears from your inner ear. Your brain will become disoriented, and you will feel dizzy if the three inputs do not correspond.
A network of tubes continuously filled with fluid serves as the primary balancing mechanism of the inner ear. Tiny hairs within the canals can communicate with your brain to convey information on the fluid’s location and whether or not the fluid is moving.
The three canals are slanted to detect three distinct types of movement: vertical movement (up and down), horizontal movement (side to side), and tilting. After spinning, you may feel dizzy because the fluid i is still moving, although the information from your other inputs indicates that you are not moving. Experiencing dizziness is a common side effect of any imbalance between these three systems.
Vertigo and vertigo can be caused by various factors, including medication side effects, ear damage or pressure, nerve damage, illnesses affecting the blood flow to the brain, and even anxiety. A dental evaluation can help rule out alternative explanations for your vertigo.
How Do I Get Rid of Dizziness from TMJ?
You can try to alleviate the dizziness caused by TMJ by taking certain self-care steps at home. Apply heat or an ice pack to your jaw joints at comfortable intervals, concentrating your efforts on the joints in your jaw. Eat soft foods, don’t chew gum, and take other steps to give your jaw the rest it needs to function properly. To address your dizziness and vertigo, you might want to consider using over-the-counter (OTC) drugs if necessary.
You must be aware that these measures will disguise the underlying issue with your jaw joint. Because of this, you should look for a neuromuscular dentist who is experienced in getting a diagnosis and treatment for your condition.
Be aware that dizziness may occasionally be the result of other medical disorders that require treatment, and keep this in mind if you experience it. Your oral health should be evaluated to help eliminate other potential reasons for your vertigo.
Read more: Can Having Braces Cause TMJ Disorder?
Consult Garza DDS to learn more about TMJ and vertigo
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with TMJ and vertigo, don’t hesitate to contact a neuromuscular dentist or TMJ specialist in Gilbert, AZ. A customized treatment plan can significantly improve your quality of life. At Garza DDS, we specialize in treating these conditions and would be happy to discuss our services with you. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you overcome TMJ and vertigo!