Self diagnosis for TMJ disorder

Carefully go through the self diagnosis procedures and questionnaire noting the areas affected. If the muscles and TMJs are tender on palpation (examination with the fingertips) and you have symptoms in three or more categories, the probable cause is TMJ Disorder.

NOTE: It is quite common with TMJ symptoms for one side to be more painful than the other.

• Temporalis.

• Lateral Pterygoid.

• Masseter.

• Sternocleidomastoid.

• Trapezius.

• TMJs.

HEADACHES
• Front of head.
• Back of head.
• Migraines.
• Facial pain.
• Sinus pain.

JAW SYMPTOMS
• Clicking or popping Jaw Joints. (TMJs)
• Right side.
• Left side.
• Jaw locking. (Open or closed)
• Grating sounds.
• Pain in either TMJ.
• Right side.
• Left side.
• Jaw deviates to one side on opening.
• Limited jaw opening.

THROAT SYMPTOMS
• Throat soreness.
• Tongue pain. (One side)

EAR SYMPTOMS
• Ear pain.
• Right side.
• Left side.
• Clogged, itchy ears.
• Balance probems.
• Hissing, buzzing or roaring sounds in the ears. (Tinnitis)

EYE PAIN
• Pain behind eyes.
• Blurred vision.

NECK SYMPTOMS
• Neck pain.
• Lack of mobility. (Reduced neck rotation)
• Neck stiffness
• Shoulder aches.
• Tingling or numbness in arms and fingers.

An immediate decrease in tenderness should be experienced.

• Masseter.
• Trapezius.
• Sternocleidomastoid.
• TMJs.
• Temporalis Lateral Pterygoid.