The joint that attaches your jaw to your skull is known as the temporomandibular joint. It is responsible for the movements required during talking or chewing. Injury or damage to this joint can cause a painful condition known as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome. Here is a look at everything you need to know about this jaw disorder including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
TMJ Symptoms
The most common sign of TMJ is pain or discomfort in the jaw joint, but pain can also occur in the ear or teeth. A sore and locked jaw is also common, as are headaches and clicking or popping sounds when the joint moves. Jaw muscles tend to be tender and stiff in patients with TMJ as well.
TMJ Causes
The specific cause of TMJ is sometimes not clear, but possible causes include trauma to the jaw or teeth, misaligned bite, teeth grinding or clenching, bad posture, stress or anxiety, gum chewing, and arthritis.
Women aged 20 to 40 are at the highest risk of developing TMJ, although the condition is not exclusively limited to this demographic.
TMJ Diagnosis
If you begin to experience constant symptoms of TMJ, you should set up an appointment with your doctor or dentist. You will be given a physical exam where your doctor or dentist will feel your jaw as you open and close your mouth, listen for any clicking or popping sounds, check for a locked jaw by monitoring the range of motion of your jaw, and apply pressure around your jaw to check for pain or discomfort.
Tests that may be required include an X-ray to look for problems with your teeth, a MRI to look for joint abnormalities, or a CT scan to review the bones of the joint.
TMJ Treatment
TMJ is often successfully treated with self-care. For tenderness and pain, you can use ice packs to cool the area of the jaw that causes discomfort. Pain can also be relieved with over-the-counter medication, such as Tylenol or Advil. Another beneficial way to relieve pain, and prevent teeth grinding, is to wear a bite guard. If the pain associated with your TMJ is severe, your doctor can prescribe you stronger medication, such as muscle relaxants or sedatives to be taken at bedtime, which can help you relax so that you do not clench your jaw or teeth.
TMJ Cure
In severe cases of TMJ, and after home remedies do not work, surgery and other procedures are needed. One procedure, known as arthrocentesis, involves injecting saline soultion into the joint in order to flush out debris and reduce inflammation. Botox injections are another possible option for treating TMJ. These injections should not be used frequently, but they are known for relieving pain associated with TMJ.
When TMJ is caused by structural jaw problems, surgery is usually necessary. The operation corrects or replaces the problem joint, but the surgery is considered controversial and an absolute last resort.
