The jaw or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a major target for an array of joint disorders. Disorders of the jaw are typically referred to by the same name, TMJ. The temporomandibular joint connects the mandible to the skull's temporal bone and contributes to the acts of biting, chewing, swallowing, speaking and making facial expressions. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states over 10 million people in the United States suffer from TMJ problems.
Symptoms
Pain is the most common TMJ symptom. The pain is often described as a transient, dull ache in the jaw joint and nearby areas, including the ear. Instead of pain, some sufferers only have problems in the use of their jaws. Additional symptoms of TMJ can include:
Pain is the most common TMJ symptom. The pain is often described as a transient, dull ache in the jaw joint and nearby areas, including the ear. Instead of pain, some sufferers only have problems in the use of their jaws. Additional symptoms of TMJ can include:
· Inability to open the mouth comfortably
· Clicking, popping or grating sounds in the jaw joint
· Locking of the jaw when attempting to open the mouth
· Headaches
· A bite that feels uncomfortable or "off"
· Neck, shoulder and back pain
· Swelling on the side of the face
· Tinnitus or ear pain
· Dizziness
· Clicking, popping or grating sounds in the jaw joint
· Locking of the jaw when attempting to open the mouth
· Headaches
· A bite that feels uncomfortable or "off"
· Neck, shoulder and back pain
· Swelling on the side of the face
· Tinnitus or ear pain
· Dizziness
TMJ symptoms often improve without treatment in a matter of weeks to months. However, some individuals experience an increase in symptom severity, and may develop long-term chronic jaw pain.