Can TMJ Cause Throat Problems?

Can TMJ Cause Throat Problems? Yes, Here’s Why

Can TMJ cause throat problems? Yes, it can. Here’s why:

  1. Muscle Tightness: The muscles around the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can get tight and cause throat issues. For example, the medial pterygoid muscle can make you feel like something is stuck in your throat when it’s tight and spasming. This muscle tension can also put pressure on the TMJ, making the problem worse.
  2. Swallowing Difficulties: The anterior digastric muscles on the lower jaw can affect swallowing. When these muscles are tight, they can make it hard to swallow properly. They might also move the hyoid bone, which can lead to swallowing troubles.
  3. Joint Displacement: The TMJ has a soft disc that helps it move smoothly. If this disc gets out of place, it can cause pain and other issues. Plus, when the TMJ isn’t working right, it can make nearby muscles tense up, which can spread to the throat area and cause soreness and ear pain.

Overall, TMJ problems can affect various parts of your body, including your throat. So, if you have persistent throat symptoms, it’s essential to consider TMJ as a possible cause.

Can TMJ Cause Lip Numbness

Can TMJ Cause Lip Numbness

When you have a problem with your jaw called TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), it can sometimes cause numbness in your lips and other parts of your body. This might happen because the muscles in your face get tight and squeeze on other nerves, making them feel numb.

Usually, when your jaw puts pressure on a nerve called the trigeminal nerve, which helps you feel things on your face, you might feel numbness. This can make parts of your face, like your lips, feel like they have lost their feeling.