TMJ Disorders: Understanding Jaw Pain And Treatment Solutions

What Is the Temporomandibular Joint?

There are two temporomandibular joints that connect the left and right sides of the lower jaw to the temporal bone. Both joints and their associated muscles, ligaments, and tendons work together to allow for all manner of oral function as the jaw moves up and down, front to back, and from side to side.

Containing a shock-absorbing, soft disc that sits between the rounded condyles of both sides of the lower jaw and the corresponding concavities in the skull's temporal bone, the TMJ makes chewing, speaking, yawning, and all jaw movements possible.

Since the TMJ is a joint with both up-and-down hinge-like movements, as well as side-to-side and front-to-back sliding motions, it is often considered one of the most complicated joints in the body and one of the most difficult to treat when problems arise.

Types and Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

TMJ disorders can fall into one or more of the following three categories:



• Myofascial pain – Refers to pain in the area of the jaw joint due to various causes of increased muscle tension and spasm.
• Internal derangement – Involves displacement of the disc, jaw dislocation, or trauma to the condyles of the jaw.
• Degenerative joint disease – Arthritis.

The risk for developing a TMJ problem is greater in the presence of long-term teeth grinding (bruxism), a jaw injury, or various types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Furthermore, the manifestations of a TMJ disorder can vary from person to person, with a wide range of symptoms possible, including:

• Earaches
  
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  
• Headaches
• Vertigo
  
• Muscle spasms and joint tenderness
  
• Jaw pain, popping, or grating sounds with jaw movement
• Jaw locking and limited jaw movement

For some people, a TMJ disorder can be resolved within a relatively short period of time, while for others, it will continue to persist despite extensive therapy.

Diagnosis and Treatment

When evaluating for the presence of a TMJ disorder, the dentist will perform a thorough clinical assessment of joint symptoms and function. Special radiographic imaging and other diagnostic tests will be ordered as needed.

The treatment of a TMJ disorder may include:

• Oral appliances such as night guards or stabilization splints to alleviate strain on the joints.
• Steroid injections
• Occlusal adjustments
• Orthodontic or prosthodontic treatment to improve occlusion.
• In cases of persistent and serious TMJ problems, surgery may be recommended.

Self-Care for TMJ Disorders

Methods of self-care can be helpful in alleviating some of the symptoms of a TMJ disorder.

Patients are typically advised to:

• Eat soft foods
• Avoid extreme jaw movement, such as wide yawning and gum chewing
• Practice stress reduction and relaxation techniques
• Apply ice packs or moist heat as directed
• Follow the dentist or therapist's instructions for gentle stretching exercises if recommended

The short-term use of over-the-counter, non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and pain medications may provide relief. If not, the dentist or physician may prescribe stronger pain or anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or anti-depressants.