There are common two medical conditions in particular that can make TMJ disorder a lot worse.
Temporomandibular joint disorder symptoms are bad enough without some other medical condition amplifying them.
If you already have “TMJ,” (also known as TMD) then it can be made worse by two common conditions, one of which can also cause TMJ disorder.
“Fibromyalgia (FM) is a very complex disorder that has many signs and symptoms,” begins Jeffrey Haddad, DDS, of Doolin Haddad Advanced Dentistry in Rochester, MI. diseases make tmj worse
“I have treated many TMJ patients who were also suffering from fibromyalgia. In fact, 90% of all TMJ disorders are muscular in origin (myalgia in fibromyalgia is Greek for muscle pain).
“The stress and fatigue that fibromyalgia places on the body as a whole, often exacerbates the symptoms of a TMJ disorder.
“Sleep disorders such as snoring and sleep apnea are more common in people with a TMJ disorder.
“It is estimated that 52% of all sleep disordered patients have TMJ symptoms or are prone to them.
“Furthermore, many people have a very ‘lazy’ lower jaw that falls back at night as they lie on their backs.
“This common poor jaw posture of a sleep apnea patient significantly aggravates a TMJ disorder by compressing the TM joints. diseases make worse
“This can result in increased muscular tension in the temporal region, neck discomfort and tenderness in the joints themselves.”
NOTE: You do not need to be overweight to have obstructive sleep apnea! Though obesity is a big risk factor, it isn’t the only cause.
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You can be thin and young and still have a lazy lower jaw. If this is combined with a big tongue base, and especially with surplus pharyngeal tissue (an inborn anatomical feature), you’re a prime candidate for obstructive sleep apnea.
“Two common conditions often seen with fibromyalgia and TMJ disorders are headaches and sleep apnea,” says Dr. Haddad.
“Today many patients are seeking adjunct treatment from their dentists for treatment of their TMJ symptoms, fibromyalgia and sleep apnea.
“Continual evidence shows that these patients are seeing their overall pain lessen or disappear when the other two conditions are addressed.”
Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Makes TMJ Worse but Also Causes TMJ
Dr. Haddad explains, “Patients with TMJ disorders frequently have a destructive, worn-down bite which forces their lower jaw backwards.
“This backwards positioning can increase the degree of blockage of a person’s airway while they sleep, which leads to obstructive sleep apnea.
“Conversely, a person with an obstructed airway may clench and grind their teeth, which can wear down the teeth and deteriorate the bite, leading to TMD symptoms and pain.”
Dr. Haddad lectures nationally on cosmetic dentistry, TMJ disorders and practice marketing, and utilizes the latest technology to ensure the utmost in patient comfort and care.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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