You might think that because you routinely crack your knuckles and there’s no apparent harm, you don’t need to worry about popping in other joints, such as your jaw joint.
While cracking your knuckles can have some potential issues (like risk of acute injury, decreased hand strength, and swollen joints), your jaw joint is very different. The popping associated with TMJ disorders (Temporomandibular Joint Disorders) is a much more serious condition and has distinct causes that require professional attention from a Denver TMJ dentist.
What Causes Cracking in Your Knuckles
Cracking your knuckles is a mysterious event, and much about it isn’t fully understood. The joints in your knuckles, called diarthrodial joints, consist of two bones with cartilage between them, which are held together by ligaments. The cartilage is bathed in fluid with gases dissolved inside. When you stretch the joint, volume increases, pressure drops, and gases come out of solution, creating that cracking sound. Studies, including one from the University of California Davis, show this sound results from the formation of a bubble, not the pop itself. Knuckle cracking is generally harmless and isn’t linked to arthritis, though those who do it regularly may experience more joint swelling and weaker hand strength.
What Causes Cracking in Your Jaw
Jaw joint cracking is a different story and is caused by the displacement of the cushioning cartilage in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This joint is more complex than those in your fingers, and it allows for a broader range of motion. When the cartilage in the TMJ is displaced, it can still cushion the bones but becomes unstable. As your jaw moves, the cartilage may slip back into place, causing the clicking or popping sound.
You may also notice irregular jaw movement when this happens, and sharp jaw pain at times, although many experience more chronic, dull aching pain in the muscles. The displacement can stretch the ligaments and cause them to get caught between the bones, potentially leading to joint damage. If the disc can’t return to its correct position, your jaw may lock, and bone damage can occur from the grinding of the bones.
Can You Have TMJ without Popping?
Yes, it’s possible. Some people with TMJ don’t experience the clicking or popping sounds, even if the cartilage is displaced. For others, the cartilage might no longer slip back into place at all, and bone grinding may replace the popping sound. In either case, it’s a sign that your TMJ may be severely damaged, and without proper treatment from a Denver TMJ dentist, surgery could eventually be necessary.
Don’t Ignore Jaw Popping
If you’re experiencing jaw popping or any discomfort in your jaw, it’s important not to ignore it. TMJ disorders are progressive, and without treatment from a Denver TMJ dentist, they can worsen, leading to permanent damage. If you have jaw popping, or any symptoms of TMJ such as pain, limited movement, or discomfort, it’s time to schedule an appointment with a Denver TMJ dentist who specializes in this condition.
Call us at (303) 691-0267 for an appointment with a Denver TMJ dentist at the TMJ Therapy & Sleep Center of Colorado. Our board-certified orofacial pain specialists are trained in the latest TMJ treatments and can help relieve your discomfort and restore your jaw health.
