The pain in your jaw below the ear could be due to several reasons; one common cause is related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Understanding TMJ and Jaw Pain
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull. It acts like a sliding hinge, enabling you to talk, chew, and yawn. According to the provided reference "TMJ Disorder", disorders affecting this joint can be a leading cause of pain under the ear, behind the jaw bone, as it facilitates movement in the jaw.
Possible Causes of Jaw Pain Below the Ear:
- TMJ Disorder: This encompasses a range of conditions affecting the TMJ and the muscles controlling jaw movement.
TMJ Symptoms:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Pain in one or both of the temporomandibular joints
- Aching pain in and around your ear
- Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing
- Clicking, popping, or grating sound when you open or close your mouth
- Having your jaw get "stuck" or "lock"
