It can be surprising how challenging it is to track down the cause of ear pressure. Someone living in Urbandale might be sitting down to enjoy their morning coffee and suddenly feel the same sensation as if their ear is plugged up. Or perhaps they are driving to work and experience a mild headache in their temple. They could also be enjoying a sandwich and suddenly feel an ache around their ear. Because the pressure or discomfort is felt inside the ear, they might assume an ear infection is the culprit. But if the symptoms become apparent during activities such as chewing, yawning, clenching, or even turning their head, it could be related to the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.
Trace the Pressure Back to Its Origin
The temporomandibular joints (try this web-site) are located directly in front of the ear where the lower jawbone meets the skull. Try placing a finger just in front of your ear while slowly opening your mouth, and you will actually be able to feel the joint moving. Muscles in the jaw can cause pain that radiates towards the ear, temple, cheek, or neck. This makes it difficult to determine the origin of the pressure. Paying attention to the timing of your symptoms can provide important clues. If you notice the pressure building up whenever you take a bite of food, open your mouth wide during a dental visit, or yawn while waiting at a red light, you may have a mechanical issue. Other factors to consider are whether your jaw clicks, limits your range of motion, or gets caught while you eat a baguette. Consider whether turning your head to check for traffic while driving or looking down at your laptop reproduces the symptoms. It is also important to note how the muscles in your neck may be involved.
- Does chewing gum, steak, or candy worsen the pain?
- Do you wake up feeling worse due to sleeping in an awkward position with a messy pillowcase?
- Does your jaw click or lock to one side when you open your mouth?
- Does prolonged computer work cause pain in your temples?
- Does the application of heat from a warm washcloth relieve the pain around the joint?
Recognize When Other Issues Require Medical Attention
While there are indications that the symptoms may be caused by a mechanical issue, you still need to rule out other causes such as an ear infection, dental problem, or medical condition. You should see a doctor immediately if you experience fever, ear discharge, sudden hearing loss (there is a useful breakdown at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki), severe vertigo, or swelling around the ear. Your doctor will be able to examine the ear canal and eardrum with an otoscope, which is far more accurate than trying to determine the cause based on the location of the discomfort. Dental issues may also be the cause of jaw pain. If you experience sharp pain when you drink cold beverages, the gums are swollen around a specific tooth, you notice a chipped filling, or you experience throbbing pain that wakes you at night, you should visit a dentist. Call your doctor right away if you experience facial paralysis, difficulty swallowing, severe headache, chest pain, severe injury, or sudden swelling.
How a Chiropractic Evaluation Is Performed
During a chiropractic evaluation, your doctor may ask you to open and close your mouth to see if there is clicking, pain, or if the jaw deviates to one side. They may also check your jaw muscles (temple and cheek), neck joints, and how you maintain proper posture while sitting at a computer or driving. Even something as simple as using your phone and holding it between your neck and ear could irritate the area on that side for hours. Based on the results of the evaluation, your chiropractor may prescribe specific treatments. Manual therapy may be used to relax tight muscles around the jaw and neck. Exercises to improve mobility can be prescribed to restore proper function. Lifestyle changes may include replacing a bagel with soup for lunch until the area heals, not opening your mouth too wide when yawning, raising your computer monitor to eye level, and keeping your tongue resting on the roof of your mouth instead of pushing against your teeth.
Collaborative Care for Jaw Pain in Urbandale
It is not uncommon for jaw pain relief in Urbandale to require the expertise of multiple healthcare professionals. A chiropractor may be helpful if the pain is caused by poor posture, tight muscles, or improper alignment. A dentist may be able to treat cavities, bite problems, grinding, or recommend the use of a nighttime guard. A doctor can assess for infection, hearing loss, nerve involvement, or chronic migraines. You will want to provide as much detail as possible when you visit each specialist. For example, when did the pain first start? Which types of food make it worse? Does your jaw click or lock? What happens when you turn your head? Even making notes in your notebook at the coffee shop or typing a quick note in your smartphone could prove helpful since it is difficult to remember all of the details when you sit down in the office.
Determining the Best Course of Action
If you experience ear pressure or temple pain that changes depending on chewing, yawning, or moving your neck, it is advisable to get evaluated for jaw pain. If you notice difficulty opening your mouth or pain while eating, you should seek treatment right away. Keep a journal of your symptoms to assist the chiropractor, dentist, and/or doctor in determining the source of your pain.
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