The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a unique hinge and gliding (translatory) joint that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull.It plays a crucial role in allowing you to chew, speak, and move your jaw smoothly.
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), often referred to as TMJ pain, is a condition that affects the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles responsible for jaw movement.TMJ disorders can lead to jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, difficulty chewing, earaches, and headaches. The severity and frequency of TMD symptoms can vary, and symptoms may flare up during periods of stress, overuse, or jaw injury, then subside at other times.
If you experience these symptoms frequently, it is important to consult a TMJ specialist for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment.
A TMD can lead to a wide variety of symptoms, but the most common tend to be
Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) can be classified as
Common habits like teeth clenching, grinding (bruxism), and stress can contribute to TMD by leading to jaw pain, stiffness, difficulty in jaw movement, and headaches.
Pain may originate from the temporomandibular joints, the muscles surrounding the joints, or both — making accurate diagnosis complex and challenging.It is essential to carefully distinguish the source of pain in order to create an effective, individualized treatment plan.
