Did you feel pain in your jaw when you tried to enjoy an apple at lunch? When there’s an ache in your jaw, it can make it difficult to eat with comfort. If you’re experiencing jaw pain as well as dizzy spells, a TMJ disorder might be the cause of your issues.
TMJ disorders are common and can cause a variety of symptoms, from headaches to cracking joints. But did you know that TMJ disorders can cause lightheadedness? We’re here to explain the potential connection as well as how you can alleviate the pain and dizziness.
Read on to learn about the basics of TMJ disorders, how they can cause dizziness and potential treatment options you can explore.
The ins and out of TMJ disorders
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, connects your skull to your jawbone and works as a sliding hinge to control jaw movements. When this joint isn’t functioning correctly, you’re likely experiencing a TMJ disorder or TMJ syndrome. A dysfunctioning TMJ means that the movement of the jaw and surrounding muscles has been impaired.
Temporomandibular disorders, or TMDs, are common for all ages, with an 11% prevalence rate in children/adolescents and 31% in adults.
It can be caused by trauma, stress or teeth grinding. There are a variety of TMD symptoms that you should be aware of, including:
- Face or neck pain.
- Stiff jaw muscles.
- Headaches.
- Locking of the jaw.
- Clicking or popping sound.
- Vertigo.
How TMJ disorders can cause dizziness
While dizziness isn’t always the most prevalent or constant symptom of TMD, it’s possible that TMJ dysfunction can be connected to dizzy spells or vertigo. In fact, having a TMD more than doubles the risk of developing vertigo. A study showed that 60% of participants with TMD experienced vertigo.
Both dizziness and vertigo can be a result of your TMJ disorder, but it’s important to note the difference between the two. Dizziness refers to a feeling of lightheadedness or imbalance while vertigo is the sensation of swaying or spinning.
Research hasn’t determined the exact reason for the link between TMD and vertigo, but there are a few possible explanations. The possible causes stem from inner ear issues, which is where the vestibular system for your balance is located.
One potential reason for the connection is that the sensitivity of the chewing muscles causes contractions in the tubes that connect the nose to the ear, making them dysfunctional. Another possibility is that one of the TMJ parts, the mandibular condyle, is in a poor position that can trigger vertigo or earaches.
Treatment options for a TMJ disorder that causes dizziness
A TMJ disorder can interfere with your quality of life by making it painful to chew your food, but it can be even more frustrating if it’s coupled with dizziness that could lead to an accident or fall. Fortunately, there are treatment options that can help. Some are self-care options that you can do on your own, while others require the assistance of a physical therapist.
It’s important to note that most TMD treatments focus on helping the joint, not the dizziness that comes with it. But by tackling the root cause, you can increase the chance of alleviating the dizziness as well.
Potential treatment options for TMJ disorders that cause dizziness include:
- Reducing stress — One of the main causes of TMD is stress because it causes you to unconsciously clench your jaw or grind your teeth. These actions can cause your jaw to become misaligned from the pressure and tension. By alleviating stress with self-care activities like meditation and mindful breathing, you can loosen up your jaw muscles and release the tension.
- Eating soft food — TMD can interfere with your daily meals because eating chewy, tough or crunchy foods can exacerbate the pain. If you’re currently experiencing TMJ discomfort, it’s recommended to consume soft food to decrease the pressure on your jaw while you chew.
- Physical therapy — There are exercises that a physical therapist can walk you through to help alleviate your pain and strengthen your jaw. They may also recommend joint mobilization, which involves the therapist using their hands to manipulate the joint and reduce the stiffness. When it comes to treating vertigo, a physical therapist can help you improve your balance to combat the sensation with training and exercises.
Alliance PTP can connect you with physical therapy to treat TMJ disorder accompanied by dizziness
You probably don’t have to go as far as you think to get help with a TMJ disorder that’s causing dizziness. After all, Alliance Physical Therapy Partners has practices across the country where you can find the physical therapy you need.
And if there isn’t one near you, don’t worry! We also offer highly effective and affordable virtual care in nearly every U.S. state.
So, don’t keep letting your symptoms affect your day-to-day life. Get in touch with our team today so we can help you find the physical therapy that’s right for you.
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