The exact cause of TMJ disorder is often hard to determine. (The temporomandibular joint, also known as the TMJ, connects your jawbone to each side of your skull.) Typically, TMJ disorder causes pain in the jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement.
The temporomandibular joint moves through a combination of hinge action and sliding motion. The parts of the bones that work together in the joint are covered with cartilage and separated by a small shock-absorbing disk, which functions to keep the movement of the joint smooth and even.
Pain can be caused by several factors, including stress, teeth clenching or grinding, gum chewing, nail biting, and conditions that can occur in conjunction with TMJ disorder, such as jaw injury, different types of arthritis, and fibromyalgia.
TMJ Symptoms
TMJ disorder can include the following symptoms:
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw, pain in one or both temporomandibular joints, or tooth pain that occurs along with jaw tenderness.
- Aching pain in and around the ear, neck, or eyes.
- Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing.
- Locking of the joint, making it hard to open or close your mouth.
- A clicking sound or grating sensation when you open your mouth or chew.
Risk Factors
While the cause of TMJ disorder can be difficult to identify, discomfort and pain can result when the shock-absorbing disk in the joint erodes over time or moves out of its proper position between the ball and socket of the joint.
The following factors can increase your likelihood of experiencing TMJ disorder:
- Jaw injury, where the joint is damaged by impact, such as a blow or as a result of an accident.
- Sprain or strain in the ligaments or soft tissues around the jawbone and joint.
- Habits such as gum chewing or nail biting.
- Teeth clenching or grinding, also known as bruxism.
- Different types of arthritis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (joint pain, swelling, and stiffness)
- Osteoarthritis (the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of bones wears down, and the bones rub together)
- Ankylosing spondylitis (chronic inflammatory arthritis)
- Stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression.
- Conditions such as sleep disturbances and fibromyalgia (widespread body pain and fatigue).
Smoking also increases your risk for TMJ disorder.
Treatment Options
Treatments focus on managing symptoms through medication, exercise, stress relief, and physical therapy. Make an appointment with your dentist or regular medical provider if you have persistent pain or tenderness in your jaw that occurs suddenly or during jaw movements. Also seek help if you cannot open or close your jaw completely. Your dentist or other healthcare professional will discuss possible causes and your treatment options.
In most instances, discomfort or pain related to TMJ disorder is temporary or lasts only for a limited time. Over-the-counter pain relievers, physical therapy for the jaw, and use of a mouthguard (especially during sleep) can be effective in treating symptoms of TMJ disorder. Surgery is usually a last resort after more conservative efforts to address the problem have failed.