Jaw pain is a common issue that affects millions of people in the U.S. It can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that significantly impacts your quality of life. Various factors can contribute to jaw pain, including teeth grinding, gum disease, or a toothache. In some cases, jaw pain can be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as a broken or dislocated jaw or even a heart attack.
Symptoms of Jaw Pain
Jaw pain can manifest in different ways, with symptoms that may include:
- Facial Pain: Pain that worsens with jaw movement.
- Joint and Muscle Tenderness: Sensitivity in the jaw muscles or joints.
- Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully.
- Jaw Alignment Issues: Misalignment of the jaw that affects your bite.
- Clicking or Popping Sounds: Noises when moving the jaw.
- Ringing in the Ears: Tinnitus or ear discomfort.
- Earaches and Headaches: Pain in the ears or head, sometimes with pressure behind the eyes.
- Dizziness and Vertigo: Sensations of spinning or imbalance.
- Jaw Locking: Difficulty moving the jaw, as if it’s stuck.
- Pain Levels: Discomfort that ranges from a dull ache to sharp, stabbing sensations.
- Toothache: Pain originating from the teeth.
- Tension Headaches: Headaches linked to stress or muscle tension.
- Nerve-Type Pain: Burning or tingling sensations in the face.
- Fever and Facial Swelling: Signs of infection or inflammation.
Causes of Jaw Pain
Jaw pain can be triggered by various underlying conditions, such as:
- Abscessed Tooth: A painful infection at the root of a tooth.
- Arthritis: Inflammation of the joints, including the jaw joint.
- Bruxism: Grinding or clenching of the teeth, often during sleep.
- Gum Disease: Infection or inflammation of the gums.
- Infections: Bacterial or viral infections affecting the jaw or surrounding areas.
- Mumps: A viral infection that causes swelling of the salivary glands.
- Trauma: Injury to the jaw or face.
Physical Therapy for Jaw Pain
Physical therapy is a common and effective treatment for jaw pain, especially in cases related to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. At Reddy Care Physical and Occupational Therapy, our therapists focus on:
- Decreasing Pain: Reducing neck and jaw discomfort.
- Improving Jaw Function: Enhancing the range of motion for pain-free jaw movement.
- Strengthening Muscles: Promoting exercises to maintain healthy jaw function.
- Comprehensive Care: Beyond massaging sore muscles, physical therapy involves a holistic approach to improving flexibility, strength, and overall jaw health.
If you're struggling with jaw pain, don’t wait to seek help. Contact Reddy Care Physical and Occupational Therapy to schedule a consultation and find the right therapist to guide you on the path to relief.
Great Neck: 475 Northern Blvd., Ste.11, Great Neck, NY 11021 Tel. (516) 829.0030
Farmingdale: 309 North West Dr., Farmingdale, NY 11735 Tel. (516) 420.2900
Woodbury: 150 Woodbury Rd., Woodbury, NY 11797 Tel. (516) 367.1111
Deer Park: 2024 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park, NY 11729 Tel. (631) 243.0247
North Shore Towers: 272-78 Grand Central Pkwy., Floral Park, NY 11005
Tel. (516) 344.0030
Bayside - Aquatic Therapy: 208-32 Cross Island Pkwy., Bayside, NY11360 Tel. (718) 224.8480
Oceanside: 2421 S Long Beach Rd., Oceanside, NY 11572 Tel. (516) 992.2282
New York City: 250 West 93rd Street, New York, NY 10025 Tel. (212) 580.0125
Bay Shore: 1470 Sunrise Highway Bay Shore NY, 11706 Tel:(631)-446.1480
Amityville: 565 Albany Ave Amityville NY, 11701 Tel:(631)-532.0906
In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): Tel: (516) 829.0030
*Home therapy servicing Long Island, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, the Bronx & Manhattan*
Sources: Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
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Written by:
Dr. Vinod Somareddy, PT, DPT
President
Reddy Care Physical Therapy
Reddy Care Occupational Therapy
Reddy Care Aquatic Therapy
Author
Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy
Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy is an outstanding specialty service providing exceptional care and state-of-the-art treatments for the residents of Farmingdale and Great Neck, New York. The combination of innovative exercise programs, manual therapy, and technology together with the expertise of every member of the team enables Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy to provide services that ensure superior clinical outcomes and consistently high patient satisfaction.
