This week we are exploring the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and associated dysfunctions. The temporomandibular joint, also known as the jaw joint, is a hinge-type joint involving various structures and muscles. As a clinic that specializes in working with TMJ cases, we will go over some common trends with these cases.
A lot of the times with TMJ dysfunctions, pain is the primary symptom. Often the pain is right along the jaw joint line, which can sometimes be mistaken as an intense earache. The pain could occur along the masseter muscle, which is an important muscle for moving the jaw. There can also be pain along the temporalis muscle, which runs along the side of your head and can lead to headaches. In our blog last week, we went over headaches, and TMJ dysfunction can be a cause of secondary headaches.
Other common symptoms of TMJ dysfunction include pain/discomfort along the jaw, ear, face, and cervical spine. Clicking, popping, difficulties chewing, and locking can be common symptoms as well and ringing in the ears (tinnitus) may also occur. Numbness and tingling can also occur along the face.
The cause of TMJ dysfunction can be from motor vehicle accidents, impact to the head, grinding/clenching teeth, arthritis, or anatomical abnormalities. In some cases it can often be difficult to label a clear cause, but we still identify the structures that are causing symptoms.
