TMJ syndrome

Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (also known as TMJ syndrome, TMJ disorder, or simply TMJ) is a broad term that refers to pain and dysfunction of the muscles of mastication (the muscles that move the jaw) and the temporomandibular joints (the joints which connect the mandible to the skull). The most common symptom is pain, followed by restricted mandibular movement, and noises from the temporomandibular joints during jaw movement.

Causes

The cause of TMJ syndrome is not always clear but symptoms usually arise from problems with the jaw muscles or with the parts of the joint itself. Injury to the jaw, temporomandibular joint, or muscles of the head and neck can lead to TMJ syndrome. Other causes include:

• Grinding or clenching the teeth, which puts a lot of pressure on the TMJ
• Dislocation of the soft cushion or disc between the ball and socket
• Arthritis in the TMJ
• Stress, which can cause a person to tighten facial and jaw muscles or clench the teeth

Symptoms

TMJ syndrome can cause severe pain and discomfort, which can be temporary or last for many years. It might affect one or both sides of your face. More women than men have it, and it’s most common among people between the ages of 20 and 40. Common symptoms include:

• Pain or tenderness in your face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders, and in or around the ear when you chew, speak, or open your mouth wide
• Problems when you try to open your mouth wide
• Jaws that get "stuck" or "lock" in the open- or closed-mouth position
• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when you open or close your mouth or chew. This may or may not be painful.
• A tired feeling in your face
• Trouble chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite
• Swelling on the side of your face

Treatment

Treatment for TMJ syndrome depends on the severity and extent of the individual's condition. Treatment may range from conservative dental and medical care to complex surgery. Conservative treatments are tried first and surgery is considered as a last resort. Conservative treatments include:

• Medications: For many people, this is the first course of treatment. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen), antidepressants, or muscle relaxants.
• Therapies: Physical therapy treatments might include ultrasound, moist heat, and ice. These can help improve joint function. Your doctor might also recommend a splint or night guard. These are mouthpieces that fit over your top and bottom teeth so they don’t touch. They lessen the effects of clenching or grinding and correct your bite by putting your teeth in a more correct position.
• Counseling: Education and counseling can help you understand the factors and behaviors that may aggravate your pain, so you can avoid them. Examples include teeth clenching or grinding, leaning on your chin, or biting fingernails.

See Also

• Temporomandibular joint
• Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
• Arthritis
• Stress (biology)

Rheumatologic diseases

Arthritis is often used to refer to any disorder that affects the joints. Rheumatic diseases usually affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles. Rheumatologic diseases usually affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles.

Connective Tissue Diseases

Rheumatology and	Connective Tissue Diseases
Ankylosing spondylitis	Arthritis
Arthritis and Rheumatic diseases	Autoimmune diseases
Autoinflammatory diseases	Behçet’s disease
Bursitis	Giant cell arteritis
Gout	Juvenile arthritis
Knee problems	Lupus
Osteoarthritis	Polymyalgia rheumatica
Psoriatic arthritis	Reactive arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis	Scleroderma
Sjögren’s syndrome	Systemic lupus erythematosus (Lupus)
Tendinitis	Rheumatologic diseases

TMJ syndrome Resources
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