Relieving the Pain of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders

Temporomandibular (TMJ) disorders refer to the conditions caused by  several problems with jaw movement and pain in and around the jaw joints. The jaw joints, or temporomandibular joints, connect the lower jawbone (mandible) to the skull and are used more than any other joint in the body. They allow the jaw to open and close for talking, chewing, swallowing, yawning, and other movements.

Many people have problems with jaw movement and pain in and around the jaw joints at some time during their lives. These joint and muscle problems are complex. So finding the right diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorders may take some time.

What are the symptoms?

TMJ disorders can affect the jaw and jaw joint as well as muscles in the face, shoulder, head, and neck. Common symptoms include joint pain, muscle pain, headaches, joint sounds, trouble with fully opening the mouth, and jaw locking.

In most cases, symptoms of TMJ disorders are mild. They tend to come and go without getting worse and usually go away without a doctor’s care.

Some people who have TMJ disorders develop long-lasting (chronic) symptoms. Chronic pain or difficulty moving the jaw may affect talking, eating, and swallowing. This may affect a person’s overall sense of well-being.

What causes TMJ disorders?

The most common cause of TMJ disorder symptoms is muscle tension, often triggered by stress. When you are under stress, you may be in the habit of clenching or grinding your teeth. These habits can tire the jaw muscles and lead to a cycle of muscle spasm, tissue damage, pain, sore muscles, and more spasm.

TMJ disorders can start when there is a problem with the joint itself, such as:

• An injury to the joint or the tissues around it
• Problems with how the joint is shaped
• Joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
• The articular disc that cushions the joint shifts out of place

How is a TMJ disorder diagnosed?

Although there is no one way to identify a TMJ disorder, your doctor can most likely check your condition with a physical exam and by asking questions about your past health. In some cases, an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI is also used to check for bone or soft tissue problems related to symptoms of TMJ disorder.

How is it treated?

TMJ disorder symptoms usually go away without treatment. Simple home treatment can often relieve mild jaw pain. There are things you can do at first to reduce pain including resting the joint, taking medication to reduce swelling and applying an ice pack.

Physical therapy may also help to reduce pain and TMJ joint problems by helping you prevent and manage symptoms that might come back. If your pain is chronic or severe or is caused by problems with how the joint is shaped, your doctor may recommend other treatments.

For most people, surgery is not used to treat TM disorders. Surgery has few benefits, and there is the chance of causing more serious problems. You and your doctor can carefully weigh a decision to have surgery. Talking with another doctor to get a second opinion can also help you make your decision.