Signs & Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder is known by many names but all pertain to the same condition. TMJD, TMJ, TMJ syndrome, or TMJ disorder can all be names used to call a joint condition of the temporomandibular joint. While focused on the jaw, it can affect other joints through dysfunction and pain. While there are no concrete statistics on how many are affected with TMJ, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), around 10 million people in the United States alone are affected. TMJ is a collection of conditions pertaining to this joint.
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Classifications
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According to the NIDCR there are three specific classifications of TMJ disorders. The first of these is myofascial pain (pain in the jaw muscles that do the work of the jaw, pain in the neck and pain in the shoulders). A second classification is the internal derangement of the joint (condyle injury, displaced disc or a dislocated jaw). Lastly there is degenerative joint disease (rheumatoid arthritis of the jaw or osteoarthritis).
Identification
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TMJ disorder is known by its symptoms. The Mayo Clinic shows symptoms to be headaches, facial aches and pain, difficulty in chewing and ear aches or pain. There are function signs that include difficulty or locking of jaw, pain and tenderness of the jaw. Some symptoms that the most people have are jaw clicking/popping, secondary headaches and facial pain. This is a condition that patients usually present with multiple symptoms and not just one or two of the list.
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Considerations
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While some of these symptoms are mildly irritating (uneven bite, clicking/popping sound) some can be quite painful (facial pain, inability to open/close jaw correctly). There are both surgical and nonsurgical methods to dealing with TMJ. Most are treated nonsurgically, but there will be some who can only find relief through surgery.
The Facts
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Statistically, there are fewer men with TMJ disorder than women. It is also seen more prominently between the ages of 30 and 50 years. The National Pain Foundation estimates only 5 percent of people with TMJ will need treatment.
History
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There can be cases in which patients are seen with TMJ signs and symptoms that have no history of TMJ conditions previously or have a defect in the jaw. Whenever there isn't a patient past history of jaw issues, a detailed report should be taken to see if there has been sudden trauma to the area or injury to the body.
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References
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- Photo Credit dene: sxc.hu
