Ear and Jaw pain... TMJ?

[angrymissy]

I'm getting a recurring pain/soreness that starts in my jaw and radiates up to my ear. I get a nasty jaw/earache for about a day or two, and then it goes away. It always comes back. There is a pea sized lump in front of my ear as well in front of the tragus (swollen lymph node?). What the hell is it, and do I see a dentist or an ENT?

[Dr Steve]

I'm getting a recurring pain/soreness that starts in my jaw and radiates up to my ear. I get a nasty jaw/earache for about a day or two, and then it goes away. It always comes back. There is a pea sized lump in front of my ear as well in front of the tragus (swollen lymph node?). What the hell is it, and do I see a dentist or an ENT?


Jaw pain that radiates to the ear is often "Temporal Mandibular Joint Syndrome" or "TMJ", which is an inflammation of the big joint in the jaw just below the ear.

http://www.musgraveorthodontics.com/images/New--TMJ-Image.jpg

However, the lump COULD be a lymph node indicative of an infection somewhere in the drainage area of those lymph nodes.

Given that the most likely cause is still oral, I'd see a dentist (and one that has an interest in TMJ) first and see how it goes. I'm sure DrJoeK will weigh in on this one (at least I hope so!)

PAGING DR JOE!

[King Hippos Bandaid]

my guess is an abscess caused by an infection

the pain wont go away until u get an anti biotic

have had this occur a few times

[Devo37]

i thought it said "Earl and Jaw pain". and with a jaw like his, it would be quite understandable.

[cogsdoc]

wow am I really the first to bring a BJ joke to the party?
What's happening to me? I used to be such a nice boy.

[mendyweiss]

Oy, I Thought It Said Jew Pain.
http://www.nyu.edu/public.affairs/images/photos/uploads/RabbiMenachemMendel.jpg

[landarch]

Do you stilll have your lower wisdom teeth? They can cause similar symptoms if they are impacted. I'm having mine out in two weeks because of this very thing :ohmy:.

[Sinestro]

Joe the Dentist!!!!

[jennysmurf]

I hope it's not TMJ. I have that and get to wear a wombo sexy retainer to bed every night. My dentist said that getting braces (again) would help, but I don't wanna. :sad:

[KatPw]

I'm getting a recurring pain/soreness that starts in my jaw and radiates up to my ear. I get a nasty jaw/earache for about a day or two, and then it goes away. It always comes back. There is a pea sized lump in front of my ear as well in front of the tragus (swollen lymph node?). What the hell is it, and do I see a dentist or an ENT?

Tug on your earlobe. If the inside of your ear hurt really bad when you do this, it is probably an ear infection. I had jaw/ear pain like that a few years ago, and my Dentist tugged on my ear, and told me to see my Physician for treatment.

[angrymissy]

Oy, I Thought It Said Jew Pain.
http://www.nyu.edu/public.affairs/images/photos/uploads/RabbiMenachemMendel.jpg

I have that too (OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!).

Wisdom Teeth are out and I've had problems ever since THAT surgery. Took me 2 weeks to recover and I think I got a hack dr.


Wisdom Teeth Removal (WHEN DOES THE PAIN STOP) (http://www.ronfez.net/forums/showthread.php?t=51065&highlight=wisdom)

I've had an abscess before, not the same pain. Also, I have no fever.

Looks like I'm headed to a dentist to talk this TMJ crap...

[drjoek]

The symptoms do sound like TMJ except for the swelling aspect TMJ is an internal issue and would not present with infection ie swelling or lymph node involvement. TMJ can be provoked by difficult wisdom teeth extraction.
Rule out dental causes ie cavities abscessed teeth then likely TMJ. TMJ is multi fasceted and you need to see somone who knows about it. Not just a dentist who will make you a dental splint. Good luck

[angrymissy]

The symptoms do sound like TMJ except for the swelling aspect TMJ is an internal issue and would not present with infection ie swelling or lymph node involvement. TMJ can be provoked by difficult wisdom teeth extraction.
Rule out dental causes ie cavities abscessed teeth then likely TMJ. TMJ is multi fasceted and you need to see somone who knows about it. Not just a dentist who will make you a dental splint. Good luck

So you can get TMJ from difficult extractions then? It took over 2 weeks for me to heal from that surgery. I never had jaw pain until after that surgery. Sometimes my jaw "clicks" when I move it around as well.

[drjoek]

Yes you can get TMJ if a lot of manipulation of the lower jaw while extraction. Clicking jaws are a sympton of TMJ. Do you ever have trouble with difficulty opening your mouth wide or does your jaw ever lock? Like I said if your seeking treatment for TMJ see someone who knows what they are doing. Good luck.

[DarkHippie]

[QUOTE=angrymissy;1915539]I have that too (OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!).

Jeff must be hung like a mule

[dentaladvisor2009]

I'm getting a recurring pain/soreness that starts in my jaw and radiates up to my ear. I get a nasty jaw/earache for about a day or two, and then it goes away. It always comes back. There is a pea sized lump in front of my ear as well in front of the tragus (swollen lymph node?). What the hell is it, and do I see a dentist or an ENT?

Hi angrymissy,

You should check out in getting a mouth guard. I am in no way suggesting that this will be an absolute cure for if you suffer from "TMJ" (Still see a doctor), but this will be a short-term solution to alleviating your jaw pain and protecting your teeth from grinding/clenching any further. Check out http://www.totalgard.com for affordable night guards .. good luck!

- Michelle :bye:

[Dude!]

also, cut down on the Skoal