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Do you experience chronic pain in your jaw or have you been diagnosed with a disorder like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction? According to recent research, individuals who suffer from TMJ problems may also be at an increased risk of developing other co-occurring conditions, such as sleep apnea. Fortunately, the experts at Pacific Northwest TMJ & Sleep Center in Bend, Oregon, have helped countless patients find relief from TMJ and sleep apnea symptoms.

Understanding TMJ and Sleep Apnea

TMJ dysfunction involves both the joints that provide movement to the jaw and the surrounding muscles. Symptoms of TMJ can include pain while chewing or talking, headaches, clenching and grinding, and even neck and back pain. It is a complex condition, with many factors contributing to its onset and persistent symptoms, including musculoskeletal issues, psychological factors, and even sleep disorders, like sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing that can occur hundreds of times per night. Sleep apnea is often associated with loud snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness, and it can also trigger other medical problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, and headaches. If you experience symptoms of sleep apnea, it’s important to speak with a certified health professional.

Exploring the Link Between TMJ and Sleep Apnea

While the connection between TMJ and sleep apnea is still not fully understood, most experts believe that it involves a bidirectional relationship. This means that the factors which contribute to TMJ problems can also trigger or worsen sleep apnea, and vice versa. For example, if you are not getting restful sleep because of sleep apnea, your body may be unable to fully repair the damage from your TMJ symptoms, contributing to a vicious cycle of pain and sleep disturbances.

Furthermore, a study published in the Journal of Orofacial Pain found that many individuals who are diagnosed with sleep apnea are also found to have underlying TMJ dysfunction. This suggests that these two conditions may share common risk factors like obesity, or it may also be that sleep disturbances as a result of sleep apnea can have a negative effect on jaw muscles and function, contributing to TMJ-related pain.

Seeking Treatment for TMJ and Sleep Apnea

If you suffer from TMJ-related symptoms or believe that you may be experiencing sleep apnea, it’s important to seek diagnosis and evaluation from a board-certified sleep medicine physician or dentist. This is the best way to receive the right treatment, and also to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms.

At Pacific Northwest TMJ & Sleep Center, Dr. Kelley Mingus is an authority in the field of oral medicine and has been researching the connection between TMJ and sleep apnea. Specializing in treating TMJ and sleep apnea, Dr. Mingus and her team of medical professionals take a personal, patient-centered approach to treatment, seeking to understand the specific symptoms and concerns unique to each individual patient. They offer a range of non-surgical treatments, like oral appliances and behavioral therapy, that have been shown to help improve TMJ and sleep apnea symptoms.

Final Thoughts

Recent research suggests that TMJ and sleep apnea may be closely related, with many individuals suffering from both conditions. This underscores the importance of seeking professional treatment when you experience pain or sleep disturbances. If you’re looking for help managing your TMJ and sleep apnea symptoms, contact the medical professionals at Pacific Northwest TMJ & Sleep Center in Bend, Oregon. Dr. Kelley Mingus and her team have many years of experience helping patients find relief from their symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life.