Suffering TMJ Pain From A Car Accident?
(Temporomandibular Joint Pain)

It is not uncommon for victims of car accidents in Alberta to suffer from TMJ, or medically known as temporamandibular joint pain. Victims of car accidents, truck accidents, boating accidents, and other traumatic accidents, can be effected by this particular injury. Commonly associated with neck injuries and back injuries from car accidents, the jaw bone can be a source of pain. TMJ symptoms include:

• difficulty opening or closing the mouth
• headaches
• migranes
• earaches
• dizziness
• imbalance in standing or walking
• clicking sounds

What is TMJ? What About TMD?

The joint of the jaw is known as the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ. When pain or dysfunction affects the temporomandibular joint, such as pain from the result of a serious car accident, this is referred to as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (or dysfunction), known as TMD. TMD is also known as temporomandibular joint syndrome.

TMD / TMJ can span to additional pain that can effect not just the jaw bone’s joint itself, but also:

• muscles
• ligaments
• tendons
• blood vessels and other related tissues

TMJ Caused By Whiplash

There is scientific evidence that suggests events such as whiplash or the impact of airbags can lead to the forceful injury of a person’s jaw, and lead to significant and longterm pain diagnosed as TMJ or TMD.

In the circumstances of whiplash, a person’s head is pitched violently backwards and forwards, which can cause the mouth to be forced open. This forced opening of the mouth can lead to damagine stretches and tearing of the ligaments and connective tissues in one or both of the temporomandibular joints. This can lead even further toward the possibly of a displaced the disc within the TMJ. In the long-term, this can bring about symtoms of TMD without proper treatment by a physiotherapist or doctor.

Airbags Causing TMD

The deployment of an airbag in a car accident or truck accident can be another cause of TMD. While there is no doubt that today’s airbag technology in vehicles saves lives, they do represent a significant portion of subsequent injuries such as chemical burns and TMJ injuries. The forceful impact of a face hitting an airbag can result in swelling and pain soon after a car accident, leading to TMD / TMJ symptoms. Some TMJ injuries can be so severe that they result in the noticible change in one’s dental bite.

Stress Of A Car Accident Can Bring About TMJ Pain

Being involved in a serious car accident or truck accident can be disturbing and very stressful for some people. The resulting tension from such an event can cause tension within the jaw and, as a result, asymptomatic TMD or TMJ pain. This can occur from involuntarily tightening or clenching of facial and jaw muscles causing inflammation of the jaw and great pain.

Common Symptoms of TMD

Symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder can include:

• jaw pain
• jaw clicking
• jaw popping out of place
• grating sounds when opening or closing your mouth
• earaches
• headaches
• migranes
• pain in your face
• neck stiffness
• difficulty when turning your head
• visual changes
• blurry vision
• light sensitivity
• difficulty with chewing or biting
• tinnitus / ringing in the ear
• difficulty with swallowing
• neck and shoulder pain
• dizziness
• difficulties with opening or closing your mouth

Symptoms of TMJ pain / TMD can feel similar to those of a migraine headache, including pressure and pain in a person’s ears, long headaches, sensitivity in their teeth, sinus areas, cheeks, neck and shoulders. Often, the pain from TMD episodes can be extensive causing debilitation, great pain, and severe impairment.

Contact Us About Your TMJ Pain
Caused By A Serious Car Accident In Alberta

If you have been the victim of a car accident or truck accident in Alberta and you are experiencing pain symptoms similar to those describled in this personal injury blog, do not continue to suffer and ignore your pain. Such injuries disable your ability to enjoy daily activities, relationships, and your career. In some cases, TMJ pain has resulted in individuals taking a leave of absence from their employment in order to under go pain treatment. This can be a costly step that can be compensated through legal action. If you have more questions of concerns about the pain you have endured from a serious injury and would like to speak to our personal injury lawyers in Calgary, call our personal injury law office today. Let us help you with getting the compensation you deserve. All cases are carried under consignment so your legal fees only come with a settlement in your favour.

Posted on January 12th, 2013