TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) is a known cause of face, jaw and head pain. But TMJ also can be the culprit that causes neck aches, as well as shoulder and arm pain. Neuromuscular dentists Dr. Lee and Dr. Oh use only state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and techniques to diagnose TMJ disorders. The technology used at northern Virginia’s Galleria Dental Aesthetics helps pinpoint the causes of TMJ ensuring that we have the information we need to develop the best TMJ treatment plan for you.
TMJ Causes
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research have identified three classifications of causes for TMJ disorders:
• Myofascial pain in muscles that control your jaws, or in the neck and shoulder muscles
• Internal joint injury, for example dislocated jaw or physical injury to any part of the jaw
• Degenerative joint disease in the jaw joint including osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
TMJ–Cause or Effect?
According to the descriptions of these TMJ causes, neck aches from any other cause can, in turn, lead to TMJ, as well as be caused by TMJ.
Pain such as neck aches can have many other causes, so it is important to have a thorough medical checkup, as well as a neuromuscular dentistry examination, to ensure you do not have more than one cause. Read our TMD questions for more about causes, treatment and symptoms.
If you are in the Tyson Corners or Alexandria,Virginia area and TMJ neck aches have you concerned, please contact northern Virginia’s top rated TMJ neuromuscular dentists at Galleria Dental Aesthetics for a consultation.