Can TMJ issues cause vertigo?

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition in which one or both of the jaw joints that hinge the jaw bone to the skull become dysfunctional, or the muscles around them become inflamed. It can make jaw movement uncomfortable or difficult to perform. It’s estimated that around 10 million people in the U.S. have TMJ disorder.

Vertigo is the term used to describe the sensation of feeling dizzy. It can cause a person to feel disoriented and as if they’re going to fall over or lose their balance. Vertigo episodes can lead to intense spells of blurred vision and balance that can temporarily interfere with everyday activities. Research estimates that vertigo affects anywhere from 15% to 20% of people in the U.S. each year.

These two conditions have an interesting relationship with each other. To learn more about TMJ and vertigo and how they’re connected, keep reading below. The sections below will help you better understand each condition on their own and how they intersect.

What are the symptoms of TMJ disorder?

TMJ disorder is typically characterized by a few different symptoms. If you have recently been diagnosed or think you may soon be diagnosed with this condition, look at the symptoms below. Those who have TMJ typically also have one or several of these symptoms. 

• Pain — The most common symptom of TMJ disorder is pain. This type of pain is most often felt in the jaw or around the joints and the jaw. Pain can also be felt around the ear or inside of it. Some patients with TMJ report feeling pain that radiates from their jaw to other areas of their face. 

• Tenderness — It's also typical to experience tenderness in the jaw or around the areas of the job joints. Patients with TMJ sometimes report tenderness or sensitivity touching certain areas of their face.

• Aching — Some patients experience aching in their jaw joints when dealing with TMJ disorder.

• Jaw locking — Those with TMJ may experience locking of their jaws or feel as if their jaw joints catch whenever they open and close their mouth.

• Difficulty chewing — TMJ can make chewing food difficult or uncomfortable to perform due to the stiffness and pain that frequently occurs in TMJ patients.

What are the symptoms of vertigo?

Vertigo can cause a variety of symptoms that can become uncomfortable to deal with in everyday life. They can even make performing daily tasks difficult. Some of these symptoms include blurred vision, dizziness, balance problems, ear ringing, nausea, and hearing problems.

Vertigo can cause hearing loss, increase chances of falling, cause poor eye and hand coordination, trouble walking, and trouble focusing vision. If after reading about these symptoms, you’re still not sure if you’re dealing with vertigo, you can take this quiz to find out.

Can TMJ issues cause vertigo?

In short, the answer is yes. TMJ issues can cause a person to experience vertigo. Inflammation in the jaw joint can affect the ears and the tiny particles and sensors inside your ears that help your balance and vision. When the jaw joints become inflamed, the components in the inner ear become thrown off, and this is what causes your feelings of dizziness. Thus, TMJ can potentially cause someone to have vertigo. 

How can physical therapy help someone who has vertigo caused by TMJ disorder?

Physical therapy is a great treatment option for those with vertigo caused by a TMJ disorder. It can help reduce joint inflammation, relieve muscle tension, and improve range of motion. A physical therapist can potentially reduce many of your TMJ symptoms, but they can specifically address vertigo caused by TMJ. During your sessions, they’ll work with you to correct your condition. They’ll help you retrain your balance or gait and strengthen your jaw muscles. If your TMJ is causing you to experience vertigo, you can expect to receive the treatment you need from an experienced physical therapy specialist.

Ready to receive the high-quality level of physical therapy care you deserve? Let Alliance PTP help you find treatment for your TMJ

At Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, we’re proudly bringing together physical therapy practices across the country to help people get the high-quality PT they need. 

Want to see a physical therapist in person? We can put you in touch with an Alliance PTP partner that’s close to you and can help you address your TMJ-related vertigo symptoms. You don’t have to let your vertigo symptoms cause you any more discomfort than they already have. Talk with one of our partners today to get the help you need. 

Not keen on in-person PT sessions or not close to an Alliance PTP partner? No worries. We also offer effective and affordable virtual physical therapy through our Agile Virtual Physical Therapy platform. 

Come find help for your injury or chronic condition today!