Temporomandibular joint disorder: Symptoms, treatment, and helpful exercises
Our jaws have the ability to open and close, which allows us to speak, eat, and yawn. But when damage occurs to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)—the joint that connects the jaw—our ability to perform these functions diminishes, hence the term “lockjaw.” The jaw becomes locked, disabling our full range of motion and making normal tasks quite difficult. The umbrella term for issues with this joint is called temporomandibular disorder, or TMD.
Picture a door hinge that moves, allowing the door to fully open and close. When the door hinge is working correctly, the door moves freely, but if it becomes rusted or damaged, the door may no longer open all the way. Continue reading…
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can result in excruciating pain or tenderness in your jaw. This pain can make it difficult to do many of the things we do on a daily basis. Luckily, there are several TMJ home treatments that can help relieve this discomfort.
We use our jaw muscles every day to chew our food, speak, and breathe through our mouths. These actions rest upon a joint called the temporomandibular joint, named for the mandibular bone (jaw bone), and the point on the skull it attaches to (temporal bone). This sliding hinge can be the source of pain felt in the joint itself, as well as the muscles that control jaw movement. Continue reading…
While we can’t say for certain, some experts suggest that as many as 10 million Americans may be suffering from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, including TMJ headache. TMJ syndrome is pain in the jaw joint that can lead to headaches and starts with a variety of other symptoms.
The TMJ connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull (temporal bone) in the front of the ear. It comprises muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and bones. TMJ headaches are common in people who suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder. Often people mistake TMJ headaches for recurring tension headaches; however, research shows that TMJ symptoms do not respond to tension headache treatment. TMJ headache pain must be treated in the same way as TMJ syndrome symptoms. Continue reading…
If you’ve ever wondered – how does TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder cause tinnitus and hearing problems? – read on. But to understand how TMJ problems affect hearing, it’s important to first understand what TMJ is.
Perhaps the most common TMJ condition is known as “locked jaw”. The jaw joints are responsible for opening the mouth, speaking, and chewing. When these joints get damaged, your ability to perform these functions becomes limited and your jaw may feel as if it is locked. TMJ disorders can be brought on by trauma to the area or a dislocated fibrous disc that sits on the hinge joint. TMJ problems can cause pain and limit your ability to eat or even speak. Continue reading…
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in the jaw, resulting in jaw pain. According to statistics, more than 17 percent of RA patients, including juvenile arthritis patients, can experience rheumatoid arthritis jaw pain, swelling, and limited movement of the jaw joint.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), which affects children, can speed up or slow down the natural growth process of the bones on either side of the affected joint.
Parents of children suffering with juvenile RA have often wonder you can have the condition in your jaw. Continue reading…