When it comes to a car accident, TMJ disorders often occur when the joints are damaged, leading to mild or severe pains that can even prevent you from eating or speaking comfortably.
TMJ stands for “temporomandibular joints,” which are the joints that connect your jawbone to your skull. They are placed on each side of the head and play a critical role in allowing you to move your jaw, and therefore speak, eat, and even make facial expressions.
It’s one of the most used joints in your entire body, and when these joints are damaged it can create quite a lot of discomfort. One scenario where your TMJ can suffer damage is a car accident.
How Does This Happen?
The full causes of TMJ disorders aren’t yet known, and some people can develop these pains in their jaws even without a clear cause. But when it comes to a car accident, TMJ disorders occur when the joints are damaged, leading to mild or severe pains that can even prevent you from eating or speaking comfortably.
A direct blow to your TMJ during a car crash can cause a lot of damage. These joints sit right in front of the ear, so the direct impact is more common than you think. However, the TMJ can be affected if you suffer a blow to any of the other following regions as well:
- The jawline
- The head
- The ear,
- Or even your teeth
Apart from the obvious pain or soreness when moving your jaw, TMJ injuries can even present with more severe symptoms such as:
- Pain that feels like a toothache
- Ear pain
- Headaches
- Muscle spasms in the jaw region
- Tongue pain
- Dizziness or vertigo.
If you feel any pain in your jaw after a car accident, it’s vital to seek medical attention at once, especially if it’s coupled with other symptoms. A doctor may need to run a few different tests to see exactly what’s causing the jaw pain to provide proper medical treatment.
Can You Get Compensated?
If your jaw starts hurting after a car accident, seeking medical attention right away will also help you prove that the pain itself is a result of a car accident. This way, you can then file a car injury insurance claim and receive compensation for all the medical treatment resulting from your injuries, as well as any other pain and suffering.
Don’t assume these pains will go away with time, or by using home remedies. Damage to your jaw can affect your life in ways nobody expects. If you can’t move your jaw without feeling stabs in your TMJ, then things, like speaking or even properly eating a meal, become increasingly more difficult.
Speak to a Lawyer Now
Speak with a St. Louis car accident attorney before filing a claim, especially if you are dealing with less frequent injuries like TMJ damage. If you experience jaw pain after a collision, get in touch with a lawyer right away to see what your best legal options are.