Has your quality of life significantly declined due to vertigo and a disorder of your temporomandibular joint? Although you may believe that the spinning and jaw pain are two separate conditions, you may be surprised to learn that the two may be connected to one another. To get relief from vertigo, the solution may be as simple as visiting your dentist for TMJ therapy in Summerlin.
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to your skull on either side of your face. When it functions incorrectly, it can lead to an array of complications, including pain, swelling, and tenderness of the face. It is not uncommon to hear a clicking, popping, or grating sound when opening or closing your mouth. In some cases, it may even lead to your jaw becoming stuck in an opened or closed position.
Although may believe that the disorder only affects the joint, you can experience symptoms elsewhere, such as pain in the neck, ringing in the ears, and even vertigo.
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is described by the University of California San Francisco Medical Center as a sensation that your surroundings are moving. Often, you will feel as though you are spinning, whirling, or moving in either a horizontal or vertical position. During these attacks, it can lead to involuntary eye movements, hearing loss, and nausea.
The condition is often caused by an inner ear issue. Now, it is known that a TMJ disorder can lead to the spinning due to the joints’ close relation to the inner ear.
How are TMJ and Vertigo Related?
Your inner ear is responsible for sending messages to your brain regarding your body’s position and movement. When the temporomandibular joint becomes inflamed, the swelling can reach the inner ear. As a result, it can cause the signals to your brain to be disrupted. This will confuse your body about its position and movement, causing the symptoms of vertigo to appear.
How Can I Stop the Pain and Spinning?
To resolve your vertigo symptoms, the solution may involve treating your jaw pain. Now, the preferred treatment for TMJ involves an oral appliance from your dentist. This custom-fit device repositions your jaw into a more natural position. This takes strain and pressure off the joint to stop TMJ symptoms. By improving the complications of the disorder, it will reduce inflammation that can affect the inner ear; thus, stopping your vertigo.
Improve Your Quality of Life Today
With a customized treatment plan, your dentist can significantly improve your quality of life by treating your TMJ and vertigo. If you are tired of the pain and spinning, contact your dentist today.
About Dr. Pamela West
Dr. Pamela West has a unique understanding of the mouth’s relation to your general well-being. She specializes in complex issues, like TMJ disorders to promote her patients’ quality of life. If you are living with a TMJ disorder, she offers the solutions you need to stop your symptoms. Contact our office today to discover your treatment options.