Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition that affects the cartilage around the temporomandibular joint, the joint between the jaw and the skull. Various symptoms are associated with TMJ, and these symptoms can vary, depending on the patient and the severity of the problem. Someone experiencing several of these symptoms should probably seek medical attention to determine whether or not TMJ is the cause.
This joint is extremely important as it joins the skull to the jaw, a movable part that allows people to eat, drink and speak. TMJ appears to be triggered in several ways, with stress being one of the main causes, because stress causes people to hold tension in their jaws and faces. One of the most common symptoms of TMJ is the popping or clicking of the jaw, which may be audible to others besides the patient.
TMJ can cause pain all over the face, not just around the jaw. Working from the top down, TMJ symptoms can include headaches, forehead pain, and an extremely sensitive scalp. The condition can also cause eye pain, blurred vision, watery eyes, sensitivity to light, and a feeling of pressure behind the eyes. TMJ can also cause pain in the cheeks, pain around the eyes, and pain around the neck. Some people with TMJ experience symptoms in their ears, such as ringing, buzzing, popping, and pain as well.
One of the hallmarks of TMJ is difficulty opening and closing the jaw. Some patients experience locking episodes, in which they are unable to move their jaws without the aid of manual manipulation. The condition can also cause a dull, aching pain throughout the jaw, along with clenching and grinding of the teeth, especially at night or during periods of stress.
There are several treatment approaches for TMJ. Many doctors focus on stress reduction to get to the root cause of the condition, hoping that TMJ will resolve itself. Doctors may also prescribe massage, anti-inflammatory medications, and similar treatments to help resolve the pain, along with bite guards to prevent grinding your teeth at night. In extreme cases, surgical correction may be required to treat joint inflammation, especially for patients who allow their TMJ to go untreated for an extended period of time.