TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS (TMD/TMJ)
Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) is a broad term used to describe a range of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the surrounding muscles, ligaments, nerves, and vasculature responsible for jaw movement. TMD encompasses various issues that cause pain, discomfort, and dysfunction in the jaw joint, muscles, face and neck. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) in the United States, it’s estimated that around 5% to 12% of the population experience TMD-related symptoms.
Common Symptoms of TMD Include:
Jaw pain:
Persistent or intermittent pain in the jaw joint area is a primary symptom of TMD.
Facial pain:
TMD can cause pain in the face, particularly in the cheeks, temples, or around the ears.
Muscle tenderness:
Palpable tenderness in the neck and jawmuscles, particularly aroundthe TMJ, is common in TMD.
Earaches:
Pain or discomfort in or around the ears is a common symptom of TMD dueto the proximity of the TMJ to the ear.
Headaches:
TMD-related pain and muscle tension can lead to headaches, including tension headaches or migraines.
Neck and shoulder pain:
The muscles in the jaw area areinterconnected with those in the neck and shoulders, so TMD can sometimes cause referred pain in these regions.
Difficulty chewing and tooth sensitivity:
Some people with TMD experience increased sensitivity in their teeth, especially if bruxism (teeth grinding) is a contributing factor
Jaw clicking or popping:
Individuals with TMD mayexperience clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing their mouths.
Limited jaw movement or jaw locking:
TMD can lead to restricted jaw movement, making it difficult to openthe mouth fully or move it from side to side. In some instances, the jaw may temporarily lock open or close.
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TMD may be caused by various factors such as inflammation of the TMJ due to injuries, arthritis, or infections; stress-induced muscle tension, clenching or teeth grinding; displacement of the TMJ disc; bite problems leading to improper alignment of the teeth and jaw; jaw injury or trauma; connective tissue disorders affecting the TMJ; dental procedures involving prolonged mouth opening; and emotional stress contributing to increased jaw muscle activity. Anxiety, depression and poor sleep can contribute or perpetuate the pain response in TMD.
Treatments for TMD, include but are not limited to, self-care, lifestyle modifications, medications, dental orthopedic stabilization devices, physical therapy, TMJ injection, trigger point injections and for extreme cases surgical interventions. Everyone’s TMD treatment plan will vary based on the severity of symptoms and the specific underlying causes.