How to Diagnose TMJ

Medical sign

TMJ is not a pleasant condition. Typically a dentist diagnoses the problem, but if you have some time on your own, you can probably do a pretty good job diagnosing it yourself. Although most cases can be treated and healed on their own, some require medical intervention. This article will help you diagnose your TMJ so you can decide if you need medical help.

Things You'll Need

• Mirror

Instructions

1. Open your mouth wide and slowly close it. Does your jaw pop? This is one of the most common symptoms of TMJ. In fact, notice any jaw popping throughout the day while you eat or talk.

2. Notice any pain in the mouth or jaw area. In fact, the pain may radiate to your head and feel like a headache. In many cases, this is the TMJ at work.

3. Open and close your mouth a few times. Do you feel any jaw movement restriction? If so, it could be TMJ.

4. Think about your upper body. Do you frequently have shoulder and neck pain? Strangely enough, this can also be a sign of TMJ.

5. Look at your face in the mirror. Look and feel for swelling, especially around the chin and jawline. TMJ is not only painful, it actually swells your facial tissue.

Tips & Warnings

• The most popular demographic that complains of TMJ is women in child bearing years.