What is the difference between whiplash and TMJ?

The difference between whiplash and TMJ is that whiplash is when the head moves violently forward and back in affliction, extension-type movement resulting in tearing and sharing of the ligaments and structures in the neck or herniated disc in the neck. Oftentimes though, that same mechanism of injury can result in the discs in the jaw joint and becoming displaced which is known as temporomandibular joint dysfunction or TMJ.

The same mechanism injury can cause multiple different types of problems. Oftentimes, TMJ is overlooked and that’s why you need to make sure that you get a thorough exam from a board-certified physician who’s capable of taking a full history to diagnose all the problems you’ve suffered in an accident. If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident, please give me a call and like to sit down and discuss it with you.