About TMJ
TMJ--or temporomandibular joint--is the joint that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull. Many people can develop difficulties with this joint and the muscles and ligaments around it. It is estimated that 5 to 12 percent of Americans are affected by pain and discomfort associated with the TMJ.
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Function
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The TMJ is responsible for movement between the mandible and the skull, allowing you to move your mouth from side to side and up and down. Specifically, it provides the movement for you to talk, eat, drink, smile, grimace or form any other expression with your mouth. The TMJ has several muscles and ligaments surrounding it to assist with movement of the joint, including the masseter muscle of the jaw--one of the most powerful muscles in the body.
Significance
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Inflammation or disturbances to TMJ alignment can be the source of significant pain and discomfort for many people, leading to headaches, jaw and facial pain or numbness, dizziness, nausea, ear pain, and even muscle aches in the neck and shoulders. Some of the causes of problems with the TMJ include injury to the jaw, improper or frequent dental procedures, arthritis, and teeth grinding and clenching of the masseter muscle.
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Prevention/Solution
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Talk to your doctor or dentist if you have significant symptoms that may be associated with TMJ disorders. These include clicking, cracking or shifting of your jaw when you open your mouth or chew; nausea; dizziness; pain in your jaw; or chronic headaches.
Massage therapy to the masseter and other muscles around the TMJ can loosen tight muscles in the jaw due to injury or chronic teeth-clenching or grinding. Massage to muscles in the shoulders and neck can also help to keep the muscles in the jaw more relaxed. Pain-relievers and anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen, can ease a flare-up of TMJ disorder.
Your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard that repositions the TMJ and reduces--and sometimes prevents--teeth-clenching and grinding, especially while you sleep.
If you suffer from TMJ disorders, don't chew gum and try to avoid other chewy foods like caramel. The extra force you need to chew these food items can provoke TMJ pain and inflammation.
If your TMJ pain is severe and chronic, talk to your doctor about more invasive options for relief: steroid injections to ease inflammation, surgery to replace slipped cartilage in the joint or even joint replacement.
Considerations
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Many people with TMJ disorders notice that their symptoms increase during times of stress. Learn techniques to manage your stress (and avoid the unconscious teeth clenching that may accompany stressful situations), such as yoga or meditation. You might consider speaking with your doctor about muscle relaxants to help you avoid a TMJ flare-up during stressful times.
Warning
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The pain from TMJ disorders can come and go, depending on the cause. Talk to your doctor about all options for relief before you commit to a serious treatment plan such as steroid injections or surgery. Injections of corticosteroids directly into the TMJ can bring relief, but long-term use can cause destruction of bone tissue. Surgery can alleviate pain, but does come with the risk of infection, damage to surrounding nerves, and even the potential for worse inflammation and pain.
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