The early symptoms of the temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, commonly focus on the upper part of the body, especially on the face. There will be some instances in which a patient will feel back pain and severe joint pain in the jaw simultaneously. Combined, these two can prove that the patient is suffering from TMJ disorder.
Some studies show a positive correlation between TMJ and back pain since the jaw, neck, shoulders, and back muscles are connected. This should be immediately consulted with the doctor to avoid severe pain in patients with TMJ.
What is TMJ?
The TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull. It is located on each side of the face, just in front of the ear. The TMJ allows the jaw to move vertically and horizontally, which is necessary for tasks such as talking, chewing, and yawning. The TMJ is a complex joint that is made up of the temporal bone of the skull, the mandible, and several jaw muscles, ligaments, and tendons that work together to allow the jaw to move smoothly. It also ensures the stability of the jaw and the proper alignment of the teeth.
TMJ Causes
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders have various causes. Some of the most common causes of TMD include:
Injury
Trauma to the jaw or face, such as a blow to the jaw or a dislocated jaw, can damage the TMJ and lead to TMD.
Arthritis
Inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the TMJ, causing pain and limited movement.
Stress
Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism) is often caused by stress and can put a lot of pressure on the jaw joint.
Misalignment of the Teeth or Jaw
When the lower and upper teeth do not meet properly, it can cause strain on the temporomandibular joint.
Muscle or Ligament Problems
TMJ disorders can also be caused by problems with the muscles or ligaments that control the jaw, such as spasms or inflammation.
Genetics
Some people are born most likely to have TMD due to the shape or size of their jaw.
TMJ Symptoms
Common symptoms of TMJ disorders include:
- difficulty opening the mouth stiff jaw muscles
- breathing difficulty
- joint pain
- facial pain
- ear pain
- headaches
- popping sound during jaw movement
- neck pain.
Backpain Causes
Aside from fatigue and muscle stress, there are many potential causes of back pain. Some of the most common causes include:
Muscular Strain or Sprain
Overuse, injury, or improper lifting can cause strain or sprain to the muscles or ligaments in the back, leading to pain and discomfort.
Scoliosis
A spinal curvature disorder can cause uneven pressure on the spine, leading to spinal pain.
Herniated or Ruptured Discs
The discs present in the spine serve as cushions between the vertebrae. If a disc ruptures or herniates, it can press on the nearby nerves, causing back pain.
Osteoarthritis
This type of arthritis can cause degeneration of the joints in the spine, leading to spinal pain and stiffness.
Degenerative Disc Disease
The discs in the spine can degenerate over time due to wear and tear, leading to spinal pain and discomfort.
Spinal Stenosis
A narrowing of the spinal canal can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, leading to spinal pain.
Fibromyalgia
A chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in the muscles, tendons, and joints.
Psychological
Psychological factors such as stress and depression can also play a role in back pain.
How TMJ and Back Pain Are Related?
How can TMJ cause back pain? There is a potential link between temporomandibular joint disorders or TMJ and back pain. This is because the muscles and ligaments in the jaw are connected to the muscles and ligaments in the neck and back. When the TMJ is not functioning properly, it can cause strain and tension in these other areas, leading to pain and discomfort.
TMJ disorders can also cause headaches radiating to the back of the head and neck, leading to back pain. The pain caused by TMJ disorders can also cause a person to change their posture, leading to muscle imbalances and back pain.
TMJ Treatment Options
There are several treatment options for TMJ that can ease joint pain and relax surrounding muscles.
Body Excercises
This can include exercises to stretch and strengthen the jaw muscles and massage and ultrasound to reduce pain and inflammation.
Bite Splints or Mouth Guards
These devices can help to reposition the jaw and reduce stress on the TMJ.
Injections
Medical injections can reduce inflammation and jaw pain.
Surgery
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace the joint.
It is essential to consult with a dentist or doctor who is experienced in treating TMJ disorders, as they can help determine the best medical care for your specific case.
TMJ-related Backpain Treatment Options
Your constant muscle pain and back pain can be connected to your TMJ. This must be addressed immediately and given with proper care. Luckily, there are treatment options for TMJ-related back pain.
Physical Therapy
Exercises to stretch muscles and improve the range of motion.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors can help to realign the spine and improve posture, which can help to reduce back pain.
Mouth Guards
These devices can help reposition the jaw and reduce stress on the jaw joints, which may help alleviate back pain.
Acupuncture
This traditional Chinese medicine technique may help to reduce pain and improve muscle function.
Behavioral Therapy
This may include stress management techniques, such as biofeedback, which can help to reduce muscle tension and pain.
Medications
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxants can help reduce spinal pain and inflammation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can TMJ cause back and shoulder pain?
TMJ can also cause back and shoulder pain because the muscles that control the jaw are also connected to the neck, shoulders, and back muscles. When they are strained or overworked due to TMJ, they can also induce pain in these areas.
Can TMJ make your whole body hurt?
You can also feel joint pain caused by TMJ on certain parts of the body. Common places to feel pain are the shoulders, back, and neck since they are most likely connected to the jaw.
Does TMJ affect the back and neck?
Yes, it can affect the back and neck. Muscles and ligaments from the jaw are connected to the back and neck muscles.
Can TMJ cause upper back pain?
Yes, TMJ disorder can cause pain in the upper back. The muscles that control the jaw are also connected to the muscles in the upper back.
Can TMJ cause pinched nerve in back?
TMJ can cause joint pain and discomfort in various body parts, including the back. However, a pinched nerve in the back caused by TMJ is less common. A pinched nerve is a condition in which a nerve is compressed or constricted, causing numbness, pain, weakness, and tingling in the affected area. Factors like a herniated disc, a spinal stenosis, a bone spur, or a muscle spasm can cause a pinched nerve in the back.
What are the severe symptoms of TMJ?
Severe symptoms of TMJ include:
- Severe and constant pain in the jaw, face, and/or neck.
- Limited ability to open the mouth or difficulty biting and chewing.
- Locking of the jaw, where the jaw becomes stuck in an open or closed position.
- Popping or clicking sounds in the jaw when opening or closing the mouth.
- Headaches, migraines, and dizziness.
- Tinnitus, which is ringing in the ears.
- Facial swelling and/or tenderness.
Can TMJ affect your lower body?
It is less common for TMJ to affect the lower body, such as the legs or feet, since it is far from the jaw.
Consult With Garza DDS if You Want to Learn More if TMJ Causes Your Back Pain
If you are suffering from extreme back pain and joint pain in your jaw, it is best to consult a professional. Dr. Garza is a TMJ specialist in Gilbert, AZ, who can accurately diagnose what you are experiencing. TMJ can be dangerous if left untreated as it is also connected to other body parts. Contact us now or visit us if you want to learn more about your condition and what are the best options to treat them.