What is TMJ / TMD?
The terms TMJ / TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder, are usually used to describe a group of symptoms which can include: Headaches , Face or Neck pain , Chipped,Worn or Broken teeth,Clicking or Popping in the jaw , and Congestion or Ringing in the Ears . A large number of people who have TMJ will experience constant pain in the jaw joints, teeth, face, head, neck, shoulders and back. They may also experience congestion and ringing in the ears, as well as bouts of vertigo (dizziness). Grinding and/or clenching of the teeth are also often reported.
Where is The TMJ?
TMJ refers to the “temporomandibular joint,” or jaw joint. The TMJ is located in front of your ears. It is the area where the head of the lower jaw meets the fossa of the upper jaw. The TMJ is the most complex joint in the human body. This joint contains a complex of blood vessels, nerves, muscles and bones that can all be effected by an injury, clenching or grinding of the teeth or a bad bite. The actual term for this is TMD or Temporomandibular Dysfunction. TMD can cause a variety of symptoms including: Headaches or Migraines; Clenching or grinding; root abfractions or worn teeth; Face, Neck or Back Pain; Numbness in arms and fingers; Ringing or Congestion in the ears.
What are the causes of TMJ?
Most cases of TMJ are the result of either a bad bite, which is known as malocclusion, or some type of trauma, such as a car accident. When someone has a malocclusion, it means that the teeth are not fitting together properly. When the teeth are not coming together properly, they are unable to support the facial muscles. This places excessive strain on the muscles, which results in pain in the face. In turn, the facial muscles recruit muscles of the neck, shoulders and upper back to help reduce some of the strain. This causes stress and pain in these muscles as well. These muscles are then forced into a strained position, resulting in pain throughout the face, head, arms, shoulders, and back. All of this excessive strain results in a build up of waste products, such as lactic acid, in the muscles. If you have ever lifted weights, you know that after a while, the muscles get tired and start to burn. This is the same process that happens with the jaw muscles.
How Can TMJ Be Treated?
We treat TMJ using a Neuromuscular approach. We first will find the position of the jaw where the muscles are in their most relaxed position. We call this "happy muscles". Once we have found this relaxed position, we then will work to correct the "bad bite" by restoring the teeth to place the jaws in the "happy muscle" position. When the muscles are comfortable, the pain will disappear. For more information, go to our Headache Relief Page.