Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dysfunction
What is Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dysfunction?
You may not have heard of it, but you use it hundreds of times every day. The temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) the joint where the mandible (the lower jaw) joins the temporal bone of the skull, immediately in front of the ear on each side of your head. A small disc of cartilage separates the bones, much like in the knee joint, so that the mandible may slide easily; each time you chew you move it. But you also move it every time you talk and each time you swallow (every three minutes or so). It is, therefore, one of the most frequently used of all joints of the body. You can locate this joint by putting your finger on the triangular structure in front of your ear. Then move your finger just slightly forward and press firmly while you open your jaw all the way and shut it. The motion you feel is the TMJ. You can also feel the joint motion in your ear canal.
What are the symptoms?
Ear pain Sore jaw muscles Temple/cheek pain Jaw popping/clicking Locking of the jaw Difficulty in opening the mouth fully Frequent head/neck aches
What are the riskfactors?
Are you aware of grinding or clenching your teeth? Do you wake up with sore stiff muscles around your jaw? Do you have frequent headaches and neck pains? Does the pain get worse when you clench your teeth? Does your jaw click, pop or lock when you open your mouth? Is it difficult or painful to open your mouth, eat or yawn? Have you injured your neck, head or jaw? Do your teeth meet differently from time to time or do they no longer touch when you bite?The more you have answered yes, the more likely it is that you have a TMJ disorder.