10 Causes of Ear Pain
Cause #10: Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
The temporomandibular joint functions as a sliding hinge that connects the jawbone to the skull. With one on each side of the jaw, issues in this joint can lead to pain in the jaw and muscles of mastication. Since the exact cause of temporomandibular joint issues can be hard to determine, the symptoms may be due to a combination of injury, genetics, arthritis, and bruxism.
Most patients experience temporary symptoms where the issue usually resolves on its own without invasive treatment. Surgery is reserved for patients who are still symptomatic after conservative measures. Some symptoms that may be experienced include an aching pain in or around the ear, pain or tenderness of the jaw, pain at the affected temporomandibular joints, difficulty chewing, and locking of the jaw.
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