All About TMJ Disorders

What is TMJ?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. This joint is located in front of your ears on each side of your head, where the lower jawbone meets the skull. One of the most frequently used joints in the body, this is the joint that we use to bite, chew, talk and yawn. It is a complex joint made up of bones, muscles and tendons.

What causes TMJ disorders?

There are many different problems that can cause TMJ disorder such as jaw injury, arthritis and muscle fatigue. Teeth grinding, habitual nail biting or chewing gum, dental problems or misalignment of the teeth. Stress can also be a cause as well as some occupational tasks like holding a telephone between the shoulder and the ear.

Symptoms

Symptoms of TMJ disorder include headaches, aching pain around or in the ear, tenderness or pain of the jaw or face, difficulty or discomfort while chewing, lockjaw and uncomfortable or uneven bite. Other symptoms include toothache or tooth loss, dizziness and slurred speech. You may also have a TMJ disorder if you hear a clicking sound when you open and close your mouth or when you chew. However, if there is no pain associated with the clicking sound, you most likely don't have a TMJ disorder.

Treatment

In some cases, TMJ disorder symptoms will go away without needing treatment for TMJ and in other cases the symptoms are chronic, so if the symptoms persist, you should visit your doctor. The doctor will advise you to refrain from overusing the jaw. This would mean limiting gum chewing and eating hard foods. They may prescribe pain killers, muscle relaxers or advise you to use a bite guard even though heat and ice therapy and aspirin or Ibuprofen can help control the inflammation. In some cases physical therapy, stress management or surgery, used only as a last resort, may be necessary.