Whiplash injuries are common in automobile accidents, especially when it’s a rear-end collision. The forces that act on your vehicle when it’s hit from behind cause the body to move back and forth in a whiplash sequence that results in injury to the neck, spine, shoulders, etc. Often whiplash injury goes undetected in the initial stages but its effects are felt by the person later and can result in severe pain, loss of mobility, dizziness, nausea, blurry vision etc. based on the severity of the injury. Another common side-effect of whiplash is the TMJ (temperomandibular joint) disorder caused by damage to this joint in the face/head. If you or a loved one has suffered injury in an accident, immediate medical attention is crucial. Following this, ensure that you contact a Mississauga personal injury attorney as soon as possible so that you can claim compensation from those responsible for the accident.

The Temperomandibular Joint 

This joint connects and articulates the mandible or jawbone to the upper temporal bone of the cranium which is part of the skull. It consists of six main components which include bone, ligaments, muscles, fibrocartilagenous tissue, nerves and blood supply. The function of this joint is to assist jaw movements while eating, speaking, opening and closing the mouth, yawning, moving the jaw horizontally to the right and left etc. Only the mandible moves during jaw movements. This joint functions like a sliding hinge that connects the jawbone and skull. The movable bones in the joint are covered with cartilage/tissue to ensure smooth movement without friction.

Signs and Symptoms

Following an accident if you or a loved one experiences these or similar symptoms, it could be attributed to whiplash related TMJ disorder:

• Pain and tenderness on palpation of the area
• Clicking sound when opening/closing mouth or chewing
• Light sensitivity
• Depression
• Difficulty in jaw movement especially stiffness upon waking in the mornings
• Headaches
• Toothache not related to the teeth/Locking of jaw
• Neck or Shoulder pain
• Hearing loss
• Dizziness
• Pain or Pressure in the Eyes

Our experienced Mississauga personal injury attorneys can ensure that you receive a thorough check-up after an accident, especially if you have symptoms of whiplash injury.

TMJ Disorders – Types and Causes 

Though TMJ disorders are often treated even by specialists as a single syndrome, in fact there are many variations and types that occur. It is a neuro-muscular, musculoskeletal and rheumatological disorder, with symptoms that include facial pain, burning mouth syndrome, functional pain while doing certain activities like chewing or speaking. Some physicians have explored the psychogenic aspects of TMJ and compared it to fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome etc. It also includes certain types of headaches, chronic neck and back pain etc. The symptoms are progressive if the problem is undiagnosed and untreated.

Most of these disorders arise from damage or malfunctioning of any of the components of the joints, caused either by injury or infection. The exact cause of many TMJ disorders is poorly understood, but it is speculated that the most common cause is connected with whiplash injury. Other factors include genetic factors, degenerative joint disease, bruxism (grinding of teeth during sleep or while awake), excessive gum chewing, nail-biting, eating too many hard foods, hormonal factors (women are more prone to TMJ) and trauma to the area.

TMJ as with all closed head injuries, is typically missed or ignored and hence there may be a delay in diagnosing it. It can be diagnosed by physical examination, MRI scan and X-rays. MRI is the most reliable way to diagnose TMJ disorders as a report by the Radiological Society of North America has demonstrated and it also establishes the connection between whiplash injury and TMJ disorders, as our traumatic injury lawyers are well aware of.

Treatment includes gentle massage of the area, hot or cold treatments, mouth guards, physiotherapy to the jaw area, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, stress management etc and surgery as a last resort.

How We Can Assist

Victims of accidents who develop TMJ disorders are often faced with insurance companies who do not recognize it as a valid ground for claiming compensation. They typically attempt to deny/dismiss your claim. Our car accident lawyers can assemble the right kind of medical experts who can demonstrate the connection between whiplash and TMJ disorders. Our accident injury lawyers available 24×7 can also help to gather enough published data by medical professionals to shore up your claim. A Mississauga serious injury lawyer can represent you in all negotiations and communications with the at-fault party so that your rights are protected and interests safe-guarded.

If you, your family or a friend has been injured in an accident, please feel free to speak to one of our injury lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist in making a personal injury claim. We consult in all cities across Ontario with a no win no fee guarantee. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims secure millions of dollars in personal injury cases. Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 – 844 495 7333 or Text a Personal Injury ‎Lawyer 24/7 and get instant help.TM (416 931 5015)