How To Be Certain About Whether You Have TMJ Disorder

Before beginning the search for TMJ disorder remedies or cures, it is important to first be certain about whether you have this disorder or not. This article covers some of the important points that will help you determine whether you are suffering from a TMJ disorder.

What Are TMJ Disorders?

The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are the small joints that can be found just in front of the ears where the ball shaped ends of the lower jawbone (mandible) meet the skull. There are two TMJs on each side of the head. These joints help you eat, talk, chew, swallow, make facial expressions, kiss, etc.

When there is a problem with the proper functioning of these joints, it may result in a TMJ disorder. This condition affects men and women equally although more women with the disorder usually seek TMJ remedies and cures than men. The condition usually affects those between the ages of twenty and fifty.

Some people can have the condition for a long time, even years, before it becomes painful or a source of discomfort and then start searching for TMJ remedies. Others can also develop the condition suddenly.

Do You Suffer From a TMJ Disorder?

The symptoms of a TMJ disorder can vary from one person to another and multiple symptoms usually show up in the person suffering from this disorder. Some of the symptoms associated with the condition include;

1. Suffering from facial pain or facial swelling


2. Jaws producing clicking or grating sounds


3. Suffering from headaches


4. The jaw may become locked whether it is closed or open


5. Pain in the shoulders, neck and upper back


6. Experiencing difficulty in talking, chewing, swallowing, yawning, etc


7. Teeth clenching or grinding


8. Discomfort or pain in the jaw joint or jaw area


9. Pain or difficulty closing and opening the mouth


10. Ringing in the ears, stuffiness or pain in the absence of an ear infection


11. Bite problems


12. Jaw fatigue or pain in the morning


13. Tooth pain that cannot be explained in an otherwise healthy tooth

The above can then be further grouped into three main categories and patients usually fall in one or more categories.

1. Damaged, unbalanced or improperly functioning structures in the joints causing clicking, locking, grating and grinding.


2. Dysfunction or pain in the joints and muscles or other issues with the jaw and the jaw area. Most people with TMJ disorder usually fall in this category.


3. Degenerative disorders in the jaw or arthritis affecting the joints in the jaw.

The above are some of the common ways to determine whether you are suffering from a TMJ disorder which can take a toll on your life and level of productivity.