Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ)

A disorder of the jaw joint and muscles.

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
Synonyms	TMJ disorder, TMD
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Jaw pain, difficulty chewing, clicking sounds
Complications	Chronic pain, limited jaw movement
Onset	Any age, more common in adults
Duration	Variable
Types	N/A
Causes	Multifactorial, including injury, arthritis, bruxism
Risks	Stress, poor posture, genetics
Diagnosis	Clinical examination, imaging
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Pain relief, physical therapy, surgery
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ dysfunction) refers to a group of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the muscles of mastication, and the associated structures. It is a common cause of orofacial pain and can significantly impact quality of life.

Anatomy

The temporomandibular joint is a complex joint that connects the mandible (lower jaw) to the temporal bone of the skull. It is a synovial joint, allowing for movements such as opening, closing, and side-to-side motion of the jaw. The joint is supported by muscles, ligaments, and a fibrocartilaginous disc that cushions the joint during movement.

Causes

TMJ dysfunction is often multifactorial, with potential causes including:

• Bruxism (teeth grinding)
• Arthritis
• Jaw injury or trauma
• Stress and anxiety
• Poor posture
• Genetic predisposition

Symptoms

Common symptoms of TMJ dysfunction include:

• Pain or tenderness in the jaw
• Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint
• Locking of the jaw, making it difficult to open or close the mouth
• Headaches or earaches

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of TMJ dysfunction typically involves a clinical examination by a healthcare professional, which may include:

• Palpation of the jaw muscles and joint
• Assessment of jaw movement and range of motion
• Listening for joint sounds
• Imaging studies such as X-ray, MRI, or CT scan to evaluate the joint structure

Treatment

Treatment for TMJ dysfunction aims to relieve pain and improve function. Options may include:

• Pain management with medications such as NSAIDs
• Physical therapy to strengthen jaw muscles and improve range of motion
• Stress management techniques
• Dental splints or mouthguards to prevent teeth grinding
• In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary

Prognosis

The prognosis for TMJ dysfunction varies. Many individuals experience improvement with conservative treatments, while others may have chronic symptoms requiring ongoing management.

Also see

• Bruxism
• Orofacial pain
• Arthritis
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery