Injured In Utah

Another often overlooked or undiagnosed injury from auto accidents occurs to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The TMJ area is located where the lower jaw connects to the base of the skull. It is a complex joint system where the jaw, skull, muscles, ligaments and cartilage interact. TMJ injuries are often overlooked because their symptoms are similar to those of other 'soft tissue' or muscle injuries incurred during an auto accident. Skilled auto accident attorneys have seen these types of injury on many occasions and can assist in making your claim for you. Common symptoms between soft tissue injury and TMJ include headaches, muscle tenderness, facial pain, tension and dental problems. However, TMJ symptoms also often include:

* Clicking of the jaw
* Snapping sensation in the jaw area
* Popping sounds when opening and closing the mouth
* Grinding sounds as the jaw opens
* Pain in the jaw area, while chewing, yawning or talking
* Pain on either side of the head
* Inability to open the jaw as wide prior to the accident
* Locking sensations of the jaw

Dentists can often take x-rays or MRIs to determine the nature and extent of a TMJ injury. If a TMJ injury exists, treatment may include physical therapy, heat treatment or injections into muscles surrounding the face and neck to alleviate the symptoms.