If you were traveling this summer and noticed that your jaw aches after a flight, or you have tension headaches when driving for long periods of time, you’re certainly not alone!
This pain could be a symptom of TMJ disorder. Your friends here at GO Orthodontics want to help you understand the source of your condition, so you can find the right treatment and relieve your symptoms once and for all.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- • What is TMJ-D?
- • Why does flying with TMJ make the pain worse?
- • What are your TMJ treatment options?
First of all, what is TMJ-D?
TMJ-D refers to a disorder or dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (the hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull, located right next to your ear.) This joint allows you to move your jaw up and down and side to side, enabling you to talk, chew, yawn, etc.
When this hinge is not functioning properly and TMJ-D (temporomandibular joint disorder) is present, it can lead to a number of uncomfortable symptoms, including jaw pain, TMJ headaches, TMJ ear aches — and more specifically, pain when traveling for long periods of time.
Common Causes of TMJ-D
Several factors can contribute to TMJ-D. The most common causes include:
- • Jaw Misalignment (Malocclusion): If your teeth don’t align properly, it can place undue stress on your temporomandibular joint, leading to pain and discomfort.
- • Injury: A direct blow to the jaw or a whiplash injury can damage the temporomandibular joint.
- • Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Grinding your teeth, especially at night, can wear down your teeth and put pressure on the joint, causing pain and dysfunction.
- • Arthritis: Just like other joints in your body, the temporomandibular joint can be affected by arthritis, leading to inflammation and pain.
Symptoms of TMJ-D
TMJ-D can manifest in various ways, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- • Jaw pain or tenderness: Pain may be felt in the jaw joint area, around the ear, or in your neck and shoulders.
- • Difficulty chewing: You might experience discomfort or even pain while chewing or speaking.
- • Clicking or popping in the jaw: Some people notice a clicking or popping sound when they move their jaw. This sound might or might not be accompanied by pain.
- • TMJ headaches: TMJ-D can cause headaches, particularly around the temples.
- • Ear problems: Flying with TMJ can exacerbate ear problems, leading to earaches or a feeling of fullness in the ears.
TMJ and Jaw Pain: Why does traveling make it worse?
Traveling, especially flying, can make TMJ symptoms worse. Here’s why:
- • Pressure changes: When flying, the change in cabin pressure can affect your ears and jaw. Those with TMJ-D may be more sensitive to these changes, which can cause earaches, headaches and jaw soreness. With TMJ disorder, you may notice pain in your jaw during take-off, when landing, or notice jaw pain or a jaw ache after flying.
- • Stress: Traveling can be stressful, and stress is a known trigger for TMJ symptoms. The anxiety of flying, rushing through airports, or navigating unfamiliar places can cause you to clench your jaw or grind your teeth, worsening your TMJ pain.
- • Prolonged sitting: Sitting for long periods generally means that your muscles are tensed for a period of time, either in the car or on a plane (and especially with poor posture), which can put additional strain on your neck and jaw, contributing to TMJ discomfort.
Is there treatment for TMJ dysfunction?
The good news for all you travel bugs out there is that most cases of TMJ-D are treatable with orthodontics, and you don’t have to live with the pain!
At GO Orthodontics, we offer complimentary consultations, including a full smile exam, to assess whether you have a jaw misalignment causing your TMJ-D. If we determine that malocclusion is the culprit, we can develop a personalized treatment plan to realign your smile and eliminate your symptoms.
How to cure TMJ-D permanently
The best TMJ treatment for your case will depend on the source of your TMJ pain and the severity of the condition. If your TMJ condition is caused by malocclusion, or jaw misalignment, a full treatment of braces or Invisalign® may be all you need! In more severe cases, orthognathic surgery (jaw surgery) and/or an orthodontic appliance may be required.
Once you visit our orthodontist office in Oxford, Saltillo, Southaven, Collierville or Corinth for a complimentary consultation and exam, your orthodontist (Dr. Gililland, Dr. O’Bannon, Dr. Gonder or Dr. Radford) will be able to determine whether orthodontic treatment can relieve your symptoms.
Tips to Stop Jaw Pain
In the meantime, here are a few tips to reduce TMJ pain or soreness until you visit us:
- 1. Give yourself a TMJ massage! Gently massaging your jaw muscles can temporarily relieve tension and improve joint function. Try out these TMJ pain relief exercises and massages!
- 2. Wear a nightguard: If you grind your teeth at night, a custom-made nightguard can protect your teeth and reduce pressure on the joint.
- 3. Develop healthy stress management habits: Since stress can exacerbate TMJ symptoms, learning relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation can help. Add a daily walk to your routine, or find a hobby that puts you in a relaxing state.
Take the first step toward relief.
If you’re struggling with jaw pain after a flight or suspect you might have TMJ-D, don’t wait to seek help. Our consultations are 100% complimentary, so you can get answers about your condition without a financial obligation.
Your GO orthodontist will discuss your symptoms with you, identify the cause of your discomfort and determine the best treatment path, then create a personalized treatment plan designed to bring you relief and make traveling a positive experience.
Take the first step today by requesting a complimentary consultation at our orthodontist office in Corinth, Collierville, Southaven, Saltillo or Oxford!
