Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) Treatment Twyford

What Is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?

TMD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) is a common ailment that causes pain and impairs the natural function of the jaw, such as opening and chewing. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a hinge joint in front of your ear that links your mouth to your skull. The TMJ controls jaw mobility and allows you to talk, yawn, or chew by opening and closing your mouth and moving it from side to side. TMD can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Bad posture habits: One of the reasons TMD is so widespread is that many of us spend so much time at a desk, where we frequently hold our heads too far forward when working. There are, however, many additional types of improper posture. Long commutes in the car, working at a checkout counter, and always holding your child on the same hip can all put the head in an unnatural position and cause jaw difficulties. The TMJ’s muscles, discs, and ligaments are strained by the “forward head position.” The chewing muscles are overworked as the jaw is forced to “rest” in an open position.
• Chronic jaw clenching (“bruxism”): Many people clench their jaws when sleeping, usually as a result of stress. Some people clench their teeth throughout the day, particularly when they are in a stressful circumstance. The TMJ and its surrounding muscles are strained as a result of this.
• Problems with teeth alignment (“malocclusion”): When performing everyday jaw actions like eating, the TMJ is put under more stress if your teeth are positioned in an odd way.
• Fracture: A fracture to the lower jaw may arise from a violent injury involving the face or head, causing TMD. TMJ stiffness and pain may persist even after the fracture has healed completely.
• Surgery: Following certain types of face and jaw surgery, people may experience a decrease of TMJ movement and function.
• Trismus (“lockjaw”): TMD can be both a cause and a symptom of this condition, in which the jaw muscles spasm and the jaw cannot fully open. Other causes of trismus include jaw injuries, tetanus, and face and neck radiation therapy.
• Displacement of the disc or soft-tissue cushion located between the ball and socket of the TMJ, which causes popping or clicking of the jaw and, frequently, pain.
• Arthritis in the TMJ.

Symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

TMD symptoms might be short-lived or continue for years. The most common symptom is jaw pain. TMD can cause the jaw to lock or become trapped in one position or another. You might get headaches, have difficulty chewing particular meals, or have trouble fully opening your mouth.

TMD symptoms include:

• Jaw pain
• Popping sounds in your jaw
• Neck pain
• Locking jaw
• Jaw fatigue
• Ringing in your ears
• Dizziness
• Headache

CAUTION:

Jaw pain also can be a symptom of heart attack. Seek medical care immediately if jaw pain is accompanied by:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Left arm pain
• Numbness in the left arm
• Nausea