You probably don’t think about your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) very often, but they’re among the hardest-working joints in your body. They connect your skull and lower jaw and they’re what allow you to easily talk, yawn, eat, and drink.
Unfortunately, each year some South Florida residents first learn about TMJs by being in a car accident and being diagnosed with a TMJ disorder. If this is you, you can reach out to Flaxman Law Group for a free consultation with a South Florida car accident attorney to find out whether you might have a claim. In the meantime, read on to find out more about this painful condition—and how you can heal.
South Florida Car Accidents and TMJ Disorders
In a car accident, the impact of the crash can cause you to crash forward into your airbag or dashboard. Objects can also crash into your jaw and face, causing damage to your temporomandibular joints and other areas of the jaw and face.
In addition, when you’re about to crash or during the impact, you might reflexively clench your jaw. This can cause dental damage as well as damage to the jaw joints.
In the hours and days following your car collision, you might notice symptoms such as:
- Jaw pain that radiates towards your face, shoulders, neck, or ears.
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth.
- A feeling like your jaw is “locking” when you try to open or close your mouth.
- Popping, crunching, or clicking sounds when you eat, talk, or yawn.
- Headaches or facial pain.
- Hearing problems.
- Ringing in the ears or earaches.
These symptoms could develop gradually and be subtle or they can be life-altering and prevent you from eating and speaking normally. Since TMJ disorders, brain injuries, and other serious injuries to the face and head are common after a car crash, it’s very important to seek medical attention immediately following your collision. This can rule out a life-threatening head injury and can help you get the right diagnosis early, so you can begin treatment.
Healing From Your Car Crash Injuries
Depending on the severity of your TMJ disorder, once you’re diagnosed your doctor may recommend:
- Medications, including pain management, anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections, and muscle relaxants.
- Applying hot and cold compresses to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation.
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation to improve your range of motion, to help you adapt to any new limitations, and to help you strengthen your jaw muscles.
- Mouthguards at night to prevent teeth grinding (which can make TMJ disorders worse).
- Surgery to repair or replace damaged joints.
Untreated, TMJ disorders can get worse and they can dramatically affect the quality of your life. Without treatment, you can start teeth grinding, which can impact your dental health. You can also have trouble speaking and eating, which can impact your career prospects, confidence, and overall health. TMJ disorders can also be very painful and can affect the quality of your sleep, which can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, and fatigue.
Since TMJ disorders can have such an impact on your life, it’s important to keep an eye on your symptoms. Write them down in detail so you can share them with your medical team. Documenting your symptoms can also help you if you decide to file a legal claim after your car accident.
It’s also important to work with your doctor to find a solution. You may need to consult with orthodontists, dentists, and TMJ specialists to get the help you need. In South Florida, there are many excellent specialists who can help you, but the cost of top-quality medical treatment is high, even with medical coverage.
Let Flaxman Law Group help you understand whether you may be entitled to compensation for your medical treatment, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Call Flaxman Law Group at 866-352-9626 to set up a free consultation with a South Florida car accident attorney. Our boutique law firm is committed to personalized attention and we’d be happy to explain any options you may have, so reach out today if you’ve been injured.