Is TMJ Disorder Costing You A Good Night's Sleep?

If you are one of the estimated 40 million+ Americans who suffer each year from chronic sleep disorders or one of the additional 20 million who experience occasional sleeping problems, you know first hand how the problem can affect your quality of life. A sleep disorder can interfere with your work, your ability to drive and your participation in social activities. Did you know that many patients who suffer from sleep disorders are also dealing with a problem directly related to disorders in their temporomandibular joint (TMJ)? The TMJ is the joint that attaches your lower jaw, or mandible, to the temporal bone of your head. More precisely, it is where the lower jaw fits into the skull and is supported by the muscles in your face. It is the joint that allows you to chew, swallow and yawn. However, when it isn't functioning properly it can be the root of a lot of problems. A disorder in this important joint can cause pain and discomfort in other parts of the body and these TMJ disorder symptoms -- including sleep apnea, teeth grinding and tension headaches or migraines -- can impact your ability to get a good night's sleep. Experts estimate that more than 44 million Americans have one of the several variants of TMJ disorder, or TMD, with women more prone to the condition than men. Pain when chewing is a common symptom, as are other warning signs including limited movement of the jaw or a locking sensation, ringing in the ears, jaw clicking and grating or popping of the jaw ...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news