Some of the same muscles and nerves involved in TMJ disorder can also contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome.
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Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder are two seemingly unrelated conditions that share a surprising connection. CTS is a common condition that causes numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and wrist, while TMJ disorder affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. So, what’s the link between these two conditions?
It turns out that some of the same muscles and nerves involved in TMJ disorder can also contribute to CTS. The median nerve, which is compressed in CTS, runs from the forearm to the hand and passes through the carpal tunnel. On the other hand, TMJ disorder can cause the muscles of the jaw to become overactive, leading to increased pressure on nerves in the head, including the trigeminal nerve.
The trigeminal nerve, the largest cranial nerve, has three main branches: the ophthalmic nerve, the maxillary nerve, and the mandibular nerve. The mandibular nerve, also known as the jaw nerve, is responsible for controlling the muscles of the jaw. When TMJ disorder causes the jaw muscles to become overactive, it can lead to compression of the trigeminal nerve, which can then affect other nerves in the head, including the median nerve.
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Several studies have investigated the link between CTS and TMJ disorder. A study published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation found that patients with TMJ disorder were more likely to have CTS than those without TMJ disorder. The researchers suggested that TMJ disorder may contribute to CTS by causing the muscles of the jaw to compress the median nerve.
Another study published in the Journal of Dental Research found that patients with TMJ disorder were more likely to have symptoms of CTS, such as numbness and tingling in the hand and wrist. The researchers suggested that TMJ disorder may contribute to CTS by causing the muscles of the jaw to compress the median nerve.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of CTS or TMJ disorder, it’s important to speak with a specialist here at Mojo to determine the best treatment options for you.
While CTS and TMJ disorder may seem like unrelated conditions, they actually have a surprising link. TMJ disorder can contribute to CTS by causing the muscles of the jaw to compress the median nerve. If you’re experiencing symptoms of CTS or TMJ disorder, make sure to contact us immediately.
Sources
1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and TMJ Arthritis – Journal of Hand Surgery
2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Updated Evidence and New Questions – The Lancet
3. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Merck Manual Consumer Version
4. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – BMJ
5. TMJ disorders – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
6. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Review of Literature – PMC
8. Carpal tunnel syndrome: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis – UpToDate
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