What Is TMJ / TMD ?
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD), also commonly referred to as TMJ, occurs as a result of problems with the jaw, jaw joint, and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw.
Usually, the protective disc (cartilage) is displaced forward and no longer serves as a cushion between the condyle (lower jaw) and the bony socket (skull) and eventually this can lead to the condyle rubbing against the bony socket causing a problem called osteoarthritis. Severe displacement can be very painful and eventually can cause permanent damage to the joint. An unstable bite can cause both jaw joint displacement and muscle strain and pain.
The Symptoms
People with TMJ can experience severe pain and discomfort that can be temporary or last for many years. TMJ is experienced typically by more women then men , most commonly between the ages of 20 to 40.
Common symptoms of TMJ include:
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Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders, and in or around the ear when you chew, speak, or open your mouth wide
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Limited ability to open the mouth very wide
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Jaws that becomes immobilized in the open- or closed-mouth position
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Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth
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A tired feeling in the face accompanied by possible facial muscle fatigue
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Difficulty chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite - as if the upper and lower teeth are not fitting together properly
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Swelling on the side of the face
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