Synonyms: Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome, TMJ, Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, TMD, Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction, TJD, myofascial pain disorder, myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome, craniomandibular dysfunction, mandibular joint neuralgia, Costen’s Syndrome, jaw pain.
As you can see the terminology for temporomandibular joint disorders varies widely and broadly, but essentially it all refers to any type of pain, dysfunction, or disorder associated with the jaw, head, face, muscles of mastication, limited mouth opening, clicking or popping noises, or temporomandibular joint.
This disorder of the jaw joint is very common, affecting more than 3 million US people per year and can vary in severity greatly. Although the terminology varies substantially in the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorders, one of the purposes of this article is to clear up some common misconceptions as well as help guide you in making educated treatment choices and lay out the more common causes of it.
TMJ symptoms and TMD can affect anyone and can have multi-factoral origins or contributing factors. Some of the more common factors affecting the temporomandibular joint include osteoarthritis, trauma, postural imbalances, cervical spine conditions, intra-articular disc derangement, malocclusion, clenching and grinding of teeth, infection, or congenital disorders.
The most common complaints expressed by patients include symptoms of jaw or facial pain, restricted jaw motion or opening, and joint noise such as clicking and popping sounds. Other symptoms can include ear pain, tinnitus, dizziness, headaches, speech difficulties, neck pain, and even lock-jaw (inability to open or close the mouth). TMJ disorders can even interfere with sleep by inhibiting normal breathing patterns, pain and discomfort, or the inability to get into a comfortable position. TMD can even cause problems with eating and digestion which can lead to other physical problems or abnormalities.
So, what can you do and who should you see for your temporomandibular joint dysfunction and pain? For starters there is no specific “Dr. TMJ” or “The University of TMJ”, so most specialists or doctors that work with TMD have taken courses of study, seminars, or treat based on years of their clinical experience. So it’s best to have a consultation and have your specific case and symptoms evaluated with any potential physician to see what they think about your situation and how they can help! Having said that, I believe that one of the best options is seeking out a knowledgeable chiropractor with experience in treating TMD and other related disorders. Why you might say? Chiropractors in general treat the body as a “whole” and look into other factors that can be causing, influencing, or aggravating TMJ pain or dysfunction. But, if the temporomandibular joint is solely the cause or origin of your pain and dysfunction than a chiropractor can treat that specifically as well. A qualified chiropractor like myself can offer many treatment options for TMD which include manual adjustment techniques, muscle release procedures, cold laser therapy, ultrasound, electrotherapy techniques, exercises and stretching, and relaxation techniques to name but a few. Many times I find with my TMD patients that there is also other physical abnormality conditions that coincide with their primary jaw pain and dysfunction. Some of these conditions include cervical (neck) disorders like bulging or herniated discs, nerve impingement, arthritis, facet arthrosis, degenerative joint disease, degenerative disc disease, tinnitus, loss of normal cervical curvature, postural imbalances, or headaches. As you can see, chiropractors are specialists in most disorders related to TMJ disorders and can treat the jaw joint problem as well as most other conditions that can be influencing the primary jaw problem or causing secondary conditions like the list mentioned above. Many people are surprised to learn that chiropractors can safely and effectively treat TMJ pain and dysfunction with great results!
