TMJ is an acronym for temporomandibular joint disorder. Often an
extremely painful condition, it is caused by displacement of the
cartilage where the lower jaw connects to the skull. This is one of the
most commonly used joints in the body. (It moves every time you chew,
talk or use your mouth at all.) The displacement creates a painful
pressure and stretching of the associated sensory nerves. You might
have TMJ if you feel like your jaw is locking or clicking, if you have
a problem opening your mouth fully or if you have frequent headaches or
pains in your neck. Not all causes are known. Some possible
causes or contributing factors are injuries to the jaw area, various
forms of Arthritis, dental procedures, genetics, hormones, low-level
infections, auto-immune diseases, stretching of the jaw as occurs with
inserting a breathing tube before surgery, and clenching or grinding of
the teeth.
SYMPTOMS
- PAIN IN AND AROUND THE EAR
- TENDERNESS OF THE JAW
- HEADACHES OR NECK ACHES
- CLICKING, POPPING OR GRATING SOUNDS WHEN OPENING THE MOUTH
- SWELLING ON THE SIDE OF THE FACE
