Troubleshooting Ear Pain
Did you know that earaches can often be due to referred pain from other areas of your body, such as your TMJ? If you’re constantly clenching your jaw muscles and flexing your joints, it can strain the delicate tissues and ligaments that encase your ear. In turn, you notice ear pain even more prominently than other underlying factors. This situation can be particularly frustrating, especially if you’re seeing an ENT for non-existent allergies, congestion or other suspected conditions.
Constantly Ringing Ears?
Tinnitus is a chronic ringing of the ears that causes difficulty concentrating, trouble conversing with others, and even damage to your hearing. While many of us attribute tinnitus to conditions like infections, hearing loss, or injuries, it can also be triggered by nerve and muscular damage caused by TMJ disorder (due to the close proximity between your jaw and ear.)
Most tinnitus treatments are based on a diagnosis following review of personal symptoms and explanation, as it’s heard rather than seen. But neuromuscular factors attributed to your jaw alignment may be to blame and shouldn’t be ruled out.
Vertigo and Chronic Dizziness
Vertigo (excessive dizziness) commonly accompanies symptoms of tinnitus and migraine headaches. Although it can be attributed to a variety of different sources, neuromuscular injury caused by a TMJ disorder adjacent to the inner ear shouldn’t be ruled out.
Where to Turn for Help
Dr. Robert Logan in Kinnelon practices neuromuscular dentistry and rehabilitation as it relates to TMJ anatomy and surrounding facial structures. If you’re struggling with chronic headaches or ear pain, we encourage you to reserve a consultation with our holistic provider.