TMJ Dysfunction

The temporomandibular joint (TMJs) connect your lower jaw to your skull.  There are two matching joints, one on each side of your head, located just in front of your ears.  The abbreviation "TMJ" literally refers to the joint but is often used to refer to any disorders or symptoms of this region.  Such problems include popping sounds in the jaw, inability to fully open the mouth, jaw pain, headaches, earaches, toothaches, and various other types of facial pain.

Many TMJ-related symptoms are caused by the effects of physical and emotional stress on the structures around the joint.  These structures include the muscles of the jaw, face and neck; the teeth; the cartilage disc at the joint; and nearby ligaments, blood vessels and nerves.  For example, daily stress can lead you to clench and grind your teeth, both during the day and at night while you sleep.  Clenching means you tightly clamp your top and bottom teeth together, especially the back teeth.  The stressful force of clenching causes pressure on the muscles, tissues, and other structures around your jaw.  Poor posture can also be an important factor.  Holding the head forward while looking at a computer all day strains the muscles of the face and neck.

Other factors that might aggravate TMJ symptoms are inability to relax, poor diet, and lack of sleep.  All of these stresses can result in contracted muscles and pinched nerves in your jaw, head and neck; also known as "trigger points".  Trigger points can refer pain to other areas, causing a headache, earache or toothache.  Other causes of TMJ-related symptoms include arthritis, fractures, dislocations, and structural problems present since birth.  If you suffer from TMJ, facial or neck pain, contact our office at 913.649.4045 to schedule an appointment.