my jaw hurts..and it's been weeks now. it sort of worries me quite a bit lately since i don't know if it has something to do with one of my teeth or whatever. i read few stuff online and some of which scared me because it mentioned that jaw pain could be a form of heart attack for women. whew.

i realized just yesterday i had quite severe chest pain after i got out of the bus until i got to the elevator. i had slight dizziness and i was a bit nauseas as well so as soon as i reached the office i hurriedly calmed myself down with a dose of cold water. hah! that was really scary. imagine if i fainted no one will catch me. geesh. i thought, possibly it's because my clothing was quite suffocating and tight that's why i had difficulty breathing but after i read this article online i had second thoughts. damn.

but then after further reading, i found out that it may be due to a wisdom tooth. but then, hey am too old to grow one duh? so i found another useful article that may explain why my jaw hurts...

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (Jaw Pain)

What is the Temporomandibular Joint?

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) may occur when the jaw twists during opening, closing or side-motion movements. These movements affect the jaw joint and the muscles that control chewing.

What is Temporomandibular Disorder?

TMD describes a variety of conditions that affect jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints, and nerves. TMD can be associated with chronic facial pain. Symptoms may occur on one or both sides of the face, head or jaw, or develop after an injury. TMD affects more than twice as many women than men and is the most common non-dental related chronic orofacial pain.

What causes TMD?

Normal function for this muscle group includes chewing, swallowing, yawning and talking. Certain tasks, either mental or physical, cause or aggravate TMD, such as strenuous physical tasks or stressful situations. Most discomfort is caused from overuse of the muscles, specifically clenching or grinding teeth (bruxism).

These excessive habits tire the jaw muscles and lead to discomfort, such as headaches or neck pain. Additionally, abnormal function can lead to worn or sensitive teeth, traumatized soft tissues, muscle soreness, jaw discomfort when eating, and temporal (side) headaches.

What TMD symptoms can I experience?

The muscles which control the jaw can refer pain to the head, face and upper neck.
Headaches can be caused by TMD, especially in and around the ear, eye, sides and front of head.
An earache without an infection.
Jaw pain or soreness more prevalent in the morning or late afternoon.
Jaw pain when you chew, bite or yawn.
Clicking when opening and closing your mouth.
Difficulty opening and closing your mouth.
Locked or stiff jaw when you talk, yawn or eat.
Sensitive teeth when no dental problems can be found.

well enough :) but then i still have this feeling it's teeth related. it won't hurt to research at least i realized my neck pain has something to do with it hehehe...