TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint disorders, is a very common type of jaw problem.
It can happen to anyone and can be hard to detect because very few people outside of dentistry circles know about them. Still, there are some very obvious and telltale signs that you have TMJ. (1)
You can test for it yourself at home by following the given process. So, here are 3 ways to detect TMJ disorders. If you think you have TMJ syndrome it is important to get a professional dentist’s opinion on it. (2)
3 Steps for Self-Diagnosing TMJ Disorders
1. Posture
TMJ disorders can affect your overall posture. To check for this, you need to stand in front of a mirror and shake your head in all four directions quickly. Open your eyes afterwards and check your shoulder level. If one is higher than the other then you might have a TMJ disorder. (3)
According to a study from Yonsei University, Korea (4):
“When evaluating the ear position with respect to the seventh cervical vertebra, the head was positioned more forward in the group with temporomandibular disorders than in the control group” (4)
2. Neck
TMJ dysfunction can put a lot of stress on your neck. So, you should check if your neck is stressed out. Stand in front of the mirror and repeat the above process. If your neck feels burdened afterwards, then it is possible that you have TMJ.
3.Jaw and Teeth Alignment
Misaligned teeth are a very common sign of TMJ disorders. In such cases, your bite can feel “off” and you will not be able to chew properly. See a dentist immediately if you find this to be true for you. (5)
Resources:
1)https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/symptoms-causes/syc-20350941
2) https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tmj/tmj-disorders
3) https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tmj/tmj-disorders
4) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7488986
5) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1812142