Question 1

i have jaw pain / tmj, but have tightness and sometimes pain that radiates to my cheeks and chin.  why does it radiate to these other areas?

Accepted Answer

Radiating tmj pain: pain associated with TMJ often is associated with the muscles and ligaments that connect to the joint this may lead to pain or soreness in the cheeks, temple, neck or ear

Question 2

i have had jaw pain/tmj for 4 months now. i eat a mostly soft foods diet, but why, when i turn my heart sharply i get tightness in my cheeks and chin?

Accepted Answer

See dentist first: Who evaluated your pain? A general dentist, oral surgeon, neurologist or primary care MD? If no consults were done, start with the dentist.  Is there a history of trauma to the area?  There are many variables to be addressed, see a doctor of your choice ASAP.

Question 3

can wearing too-tight or ill-fitting headbands or hair accessories cause or aggravate a flare-up of tmj symptoms?

Accepted Answer

NAFAIK: But if you stop wearing these headbands and accessories and the flare-ups diminish, then you'll know to keep these items more on the loose end. TMJ issues are sometimes very tricky to treat.

Question 4

jaw tightness, but not diagnosed as tmj. what else could it be?

Accepted Answer

Need more info: For tightness, are you referring to restriction of opening, soreness of muscles, limitation of moving side to side, or something else?   Often these are related to clenching and grinding teeth, but there is not enough information to give a more complete answer.

Question 5

how can i train myself to not keep my jaw tight to avoid tmj?

Accepted Answer

Mouth guard at night: Many people with TMJ clench their jaw and/or grind their teeth at night. Sleeping with a mouth guard in can help. It is also common for TMJ to get worse with stress so proper stress management can help. Low doses of nsaids (ibuprofen) can help with your pain. If it gets more severe: a dentist can help.

Question 6

i have had tmj and muscle tightness. what should it feel like when muscles are loosening up . i think this is happening.

Accepted Answer

The pain will lessen: The pain will lessen and range of motion will increase.

Question 7

does tmj always cause pain?  i have tightness on right jaw and wondering if that's what i have. no pain just overall discomfort feeling.

Accepted Answer

TMJ: Tmj disorder is usually caused by bruxism (chronic teeth grinding or clenching) or a bad bite. Symptoms can include any or all of the following: pain in the jaw, ears, neck and shoulders, chronic headache or migraines, chipped, worn or fractured teeth, pain in the teeth.
If your symptoms are recurrent, or have lasted for longer than 7-10 days, you should see your dentist for an examination.

Question 8

i get botox in my neck/shoulders and i swear it gives me more tightness. could that also affect my tmj since those areas are close? its worse now.

Accepted Answer

BOTOX: ONLY AFFECTS the muscles it is injected into....the effects do not "SPREAD"  Your TMJ complaints are  a SEPARATE issue!

Hope this is helpful
Dr Z

Question 9

can tmj muscle spasms take a long time to repair themselves once muscles get very tight?

Accepted Answer

TMJ pain: Yes. The longer time in spasm will require more healing time. Rest and softer diets are a starting point. A few sessions with an experinced physical therapist may be indicated.

Question 10

my jaw tenses up and won't release on one side . it doesn't lock up its just really tight.  could i have tmj without the clicking ?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Some joint displacement and pterygoid  hypertrophy (jaw tightness) are usually the result of chronic nocturnal (nighttime) clenching. These nighttime events create tremendous muscle force and activity that can be at play. Find a dentist trained in treating jaw tension with a nti devise.

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Doctor answers about:

Tmj tightness near chin

A member asked:

I have jaw pain / tmj, but have tightness and sometimes pain that radiates to my cheeks and chin. why does it radiate to these other areas?

A member asked:

I have had jaw pain/tmj for 4 months now. i eat a mostly soft foods diet, but why, when i turn my heart sharply i get tightness in my cheeks and chin?

A member asked:

Can wearing too-tight or ill-fitting headbands or hair accessories cause or aggravate a flare-up of tmj symptoms?

A member asked:

Jaw tightness, but not diagnosed as tmj. what else could it be?

A member asked:

How can i train myself to not keep my jaw tight to avoid tmj?

A member asked:

I have had tmj and muscle tightness. what should it feel like when muscles are loosening up . i think this is happening.

A member asked:

Does tmj always cause pain? i have tightness on right jaw and wondering if that's what i have. no pain just overall discomfort feeling.

A member asked:

I get botox in my neck/shoulders and i swear it gives me more tightness. could that also affect my tmj since those areas are close? its worse now.

A member asked:

Can tmj muscle spasms take a long time to repair themselves once muscles get very tight?

A member asked:

My jaw tenses up and won't release on one side . it doesn't lock up its just really tight. could i have tmj without the clicking ?

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