You may be thinking that your luck has, indeed, run out, when on top of a snoring problem, you’re also experiencing pain on your face and along the jaw. Here’s to put some light on the two often misunderstood conditions affecting many Americans today – sleep apnea, and Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD).
Solving the mystery of sleep apnea
Snoring is not so bad, but if your respiration is compromised, then you may already be suffering from sleep apnea. This condition is related to the condition of the muscles that position the jaw and tongue while a person is asleep. Doctors classify this condition as a breathing disorder since the normal breathing cycle can be interrupted significantly. You are not alone in this. About 12 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea. It’s best to consult with a specialist for options that offer the best possible result.
Understanding temporomandibular joint disorder
The temporomandibular joint or TMJ acts out when something is wrong within the joint, which is a tiny but complex configuration sitting right in front of the ear. In some instances, problems with surrounding muscles or jaw alignment cause the pain, although the joint itself may not have problems. Headaches are some of the symptoms.
When a headache occurs with the jaw pain, then you might end up missing a day at work. If you want to find the underlying cause of the symptoms, get the help of an expert and weigh the pros and cons of treatment options, advised by an expert from TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of Northern Indiana. It’s better to consult with a medical practitioner instead of just taking pain medications. With the latter, you’re not solving the problem, you’re just masking the pain.
When sleep apnea and TMD remain undiagnosed and untreated, you may have to suffer serious medical problems. Be vigilant and look after your health.