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What is TMJ?

Many people suffer from jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and clicking or popping sounds in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and/or the surrounding muscles. If you’re wondering what is tmj, it refers to the temporomandibular joint, and the condition is called TMJ disorder, or TMD.

TMJ disorders are often accompanied by other medical conditions. These are called comorbid conditions. They occur more frequently in patients with TMJ than would be expected by chance.

Symptoms

Pain in the jaw, ear, neck or face on one side of the head, a clicking sound when chewing or opening the mouth and/or restricted jaw movement are symptoms of TMJ. TMD can also cause headache, ringing in the ear, and stiffness of the neck or shoulders.

TMJ disorders are usually caused by bad habits and/or excessive strain on the jaw muscles, mainly by clenching or grinding your teeth. Stress also contributes to TMD by causing muscle tension that leads to these bad habits and strain on the jaw.

In most cases, TMD will resolve on its own with conservative treatments like avoiding hard foods and chewing gum, applying moist heat or ice packs to the affected area, and learning relaxation techniques to reduce overall stress. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe low doses of antidepressants such as amitriptyline to help relieve pain and/or clenching, and/or relax the jaw muscles. They may also recommend jaw exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles.

Diagnosis

TMJ disorders are complex problems, and it’s hard to pin down what causes them. But if you have pain near the ear or jaw, trouble opening your mouth wide, clicking, popping or locking sounds, or other symptoms, your doctor can help. Your provider will ask about your health history and do a physical exam. They’ll feel your jaw for tenderness, check how wide you can open your mouth and look for signs of a dislocated TMJ. You might also have imaging tests, like X-rays or an MRI.

Until recently, it was believed that TMD was mainly related to the teeth and jaw, but now researchers are finding that these disorders affect multiple systems of the body, including the circulatory, digestive, endocrine, immune, muscular, nervous, respiratory, skeletal, and reproductive systems. There is no one test to diagnose TMD, so your doctor may refer you to other specialists, such as an orthodontist or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist).

Treatment

TMD can cause jaw pain, aching muscles around the face and neck, and limited chewing function. It may also lead to poor nutrition due to difficulty eating and can affect your overall quality of life. Treatments can include pain medication, physical therapy, and dental splints. Newer therapies can address underlying causes and offer long-lasting relief.

Avoid habits that aggravate your symptoms, such as teeth grinding and clenching, leaning on your chin, biting your fingernails, or using your teeth as tools (such as to tear off clothing tags). Use self-care strategies to reduce stress. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation. Make a habit of checking and correcting your posture to keep your shoulders, neck, and jaws properly aligned. Arthrocentesis (ahr-throe-SEN-ti-sis) is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting needles into the joint and flushing fluid through it to remove debris and inflammatory byproducts. It has been shown to improve pain and mouth opening for people with a disc out of place in the TMJ.

Prevention

In many cases, the causes of TMJ are preventable. One of the main causes is clenching or grinding your teeth, which puts pressure on the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Stress can also aggravate TMJ, so finding ways to relieve stress (such as exercise, hot baths, massage, and spending time with friends) can help prevent flare-ups.

Chewing on both sides of your mouth and chewing gum for short periods of time can help reduce strain on the jaw. Avoid resting your chin in your hand while reading, surfing the internet, or watching TV, as this can affect jaw alignment and cause TMJ.

Practice good posture by keeping your head balanced above your shoulders and by supporting your back when sitting or driving. Avoid excessive chewing, and try gentle jaw stretching exercises. Using over-the-counter pain relievers or moist heat can provide temporary relief, but these measures do not address the underlying issue and may worsen your symptoms in the long term.