Face and jaw pain can be excruciating and even more unbearable when the cause is unknown. Many of us have facial pain due to the temporomandibular joint. This is the hinge-like connection between the upper and lower jaw bones. You may be experiencing TMJ or temporomandibular joint dysfunction symptoms whenever this joint is not functioning properly.
This complicated joint consists of muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones that allow the jaw to move forward, backward, and to the side. When there is an issue with your jaw joint, you may suffer pain and difficulty moving your jaw. It is helpful to be aware of its symptoms to comprehend nerve pain from TMJ and the necessary treatment.
TMJ and Trigeminal Nerve
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ or TM Joint) and trigeminal nerves are among the most vital facial structures. The TMJ can affect several other head and neck regions when misaligned or otherwise impaired. Because the trigeminal nerve, which affects the TMJ, also affects a large portion of the face and neck, any dysfunction in this vital structure may result in head and face pain.
TMJ symptoms may include:
- Locking of your jaw
- Difficulty chewing food
- Frequent headaches
- Jaw muscle spasm
- Pain in your face, ear, or jaw
- Neck pain near your ear
- Clicking, crackling, or crunching sensations in your jaw on one or both sides
Trigeminal Nerve
When examining the complete neural system, around 20% of the brain’s input originates from the spinal column.
The remaining 80% comprises twelve sets of cranial nerves that regulate taste, smell, hearing, vision, eye movement, inner ear proprioceptive function, and autonomic regulation of the body’s organs and blood vessels.
70% of this 80% (cranial nerves), or more than half of the total input to our brain, is transmitted by the trigeminal nerve. With such a large amount of brain input, it must reach highly essential structures. So, what does the trigeminal nerve innervate?
- The teeth
- The periodontal ligament, the joint that connects the teeth to the jaws
- The muscles that move the jaw
- The muscle that tenses the eardrum
This muscle is responsible for opening and closing the eustachian tubes.
This final factor enables the neuromuscular dentist to effectively prevent, eliminate, or reduce migraine, vascular, and neurogenic headaches.
Trigeminal Neuralgia vs. TMJ: How Can I Tell the Difference?
The TMJ is located just beneath a major facial nerve, the hub of a network of nerves that cross and connect throughout the face, head, and neck. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction or disorder is an issue originating in the jaw. The jaw is one of the body’s most frequently used joints. It is active throughout the chewing, speaking, and swallowing processes.
The TMJ consists of the joint between the mandible (jaw bone) and the temporal region of the skull. A tiny disc is situated between the two jawbones. This disc enables the bones to articulate without friction.
Although the symptoms and pain episodes of TMJ and trigeminal neuralgia are similar, there are a few key differences to be aware of. Initial symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia are limited to pain. If you have non-painful symptoms such as limited jaw movement or tinnitus, you can rule out trigeminal neuralgia and believe you have TMJ.
A distinct form of pain accompanies trigeminal neuralgia. As opposed to having a chronic dull aching like TMJ, trigeminal neuralgia pain frequently occurs in intense attacks. You will suffer more acute but limited discomfort.
The articular eminence (AE), a bony bump at the front of the socket, protects the jaw from slipping out of place. According to Eric Granquist, DMD, MD, head of the Center for Temporomandibular Joint Disease, “for the majority of us, the jaw may move freely back and forth. However, in some individuals, this bony protuberance is low enough to allow the jaw to move forward, yet high enough to prevent it from slipping back into place.”
Trigeminal neuralgia is typically characterized by periods of minor discomfort or no pain, followed by intense electric shock-like aches in the face.
The use of an MRI can accurately diagnose trigeminal neuralgia. The MRI searches for indications of nerve damage or pressure caused by abnormal blood arteries, tumors, abrasions, or nerve degeneration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you relieve TMJ nerve pain?
One of the most effective methods for dealing with TMJ nerve pain is to use over-the-counter medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, which reduce inflammation and help treat the symptoms of TMJ syndrome. Additionally, muscle relaxants like diazepam may be prescribed to reduce spasms in the jaw muscle area. It’s best to consult your doctor if you decide on taking these medications since they come with potential side effects, such as stomach ulcers and kidney damage, when taken over long periods.
In addition, eating softer foods and minimizing gum chewing and nail biting are further conservative treatments for TMJ disorders. Relaxation treatments include deep breathing, meditation, and biofeedback to relieve tension in the jaw. However, physical treatment can involve massage, electrical nerve stimulation, heat/cold therapy, and exercises to enhance joint function and reduce muscular rigidity.
Can TMJ irritate the trigeminal nerve?
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can irritate the trigeminal nerve and cause various painful symptoms.
The trigeminal nerve is one of the most important nerves in our bodies – it sends sensory information from our face to our brain. When this nerve becomes irritated or compressed in any way, it can cause episodes of pain that are often described as a burning or stabbing sensation. TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) is an umbrella term for problems affecting the muscles and joints near your jaw, including inflammation, grinding teeth, clicking and popping noises when you move your jaw, and facial pain – all of which can potentially lead to irritation of the trigeminal nerve if left untreated.
How long does TMJ nerve pain last?
TMJ nerve pain can last for various lengths, depending largely on the individual and their specific condition. Generally speaking, most cases of TMJ-related nerve pain will usually last anywhere from a couple of days to a few weeks. Of course, as with any medical issue, some people may experience prolonged symptoms; in these cases, it is best to talk to your doctor or dentist to determine the best plan moving forward.
Read More: What is Arthroplasty for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?
Consult with Garza DDS to learn more about nerve pain from TMJ
Even if there is no extreme pain, our neuromuscular condition and TM joint dysfunction may negatively impact our lives.
You must consult a medical professional to get an accurate diagnosis if you suffer from facial pain. There are many potential causes of facial pain, and only a trained medical practitioner can determine the source of your discomfort.
Once the cause has been determined, effective treatment can begin. If you think you may be suffering from nerve pain stemming from TMJ, Garza DDS can help. We specialize in diagnosing and treating temporomandibular joint disorders and can provide relief for those suffering from chronic facial pain and nerve injury. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you find relief from your symptoms.