What Causes TMJ, Dizziness & Sinus Pressure?
These symptoms can develop for several different reasons. Understanding potential contributing factors is an important part of determining the appropriate approach to care.
Common contributing factors include:
- Muscle Tension: Tightness in the jaw, neck, and shoulders may contribute to discomfort and restricted movement.
- Jaw Joint Dysfunction: Problems involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can cause jaw pain, clicking, popping, and difficulty chewing.
- Teeth Grinding and Clenching: Frequently clenching or grinding your teeth may place additional stress on the jaw muscles and joints.
- Poor Posture: Forward head posture and prolonged computer or phone use may contribute to neck tension and certain types of jaw discomfort.
- Neck-Related Dizziness: Certain neck conditions may be associated with dizziness or balance disturbances, although dizziness has many possible causes.
- Inner Ear Problems: Conditions affecting the inner ear can cause vertigo, balance problems, and dizziness.
- Sinus Inflammation: Allergies, infections, and sinus inflammation may cause facial pressure, congestion, and headaches.
- Stress: Physical and emotional stress can contribute to jaw clenching, muscle tension, and headaches.
Not all dizziness or sinus symptoms originate from the spine or muscles. Proper evaluation is important to determine the underlying cause.
Common Conditions & Symptoms
At Wheeler Chiropractic, we evaluate patients experiencing a variety of musculoskeletal complaints involving the jaw, neck, and surrounding areas.
TMJ & Jaw Pain
The temporomandibular joints connect your jaw to your skull and allow you to talk, chew, and open and close your mouth. Problems involving these joints and surrounding muscles may lead to temporomandibular disorders (TMD).
Common TMJ symptoms include:
- Jaw pain and tenderness
- Clicking or popping when opening the mouth
- Difficulty opening or closing the jaw
- Jaw stiffness or tightness
- Facial muscle tension
- Pain while chewing
- Headaches associated with jaw tension
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Teeth clenching and grinding-related discomfort
Dizziness & Vertigo
Dizziness can describe several different sensations, including feeling lightheaded, unsteady, or as though the room is spinning.
Common symptoms and related complaints include:
- Episodes of dizziness
- Vertigo or spinning sensations
- Balance difficulties
- Neck stiffness associated with dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Headaches accompanied by dizziness
- Motion sensitivity
- Discomfort with certain head or neck movements
Dizziness can result from inner ear conditions, medication effects, blood pressure changes, neurological conditions, and other medical issues. A medical evaluation is important to identify the cause before pursuing treatment.
Sinus Pressure & Facial Discomfort
Sinus pressure can cause discomfort around the forehead, cheeks, eyes, and nose. It is commonly associated with allergies, inflammation, and sinus infections.
Common symptoms include:
- Pressure around the forehead and eyes
- Facial tenderness or discomfort
- Nasal congestion
- Headaches associated with sinus pressure
- Pressure around the cheeks and nose
- Neck tension accompanying facial discomfort
Treatment options available at Wheeler Chiropractic include: