About the temporomandibular joint

What is the TMJ?

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is an umbrella term for pain or dysfunction involving the jaw joint and surrounding structures, including the muscles. The original site estimates that around 20–30% of the general population are affected by TMJ pain to some degree and notes that TMD is most common in women aged 20–40, though it can occur at any age.

The joint includes bones, ligaments, an articular disc, cartilage, synovial fluid, blood vessels and nerves. Dysfunction or damage to these structures can cause pain in the joint and surrounding area. The position of the jaw and the way the teeth meet can influence one another; head and neck posture may also affect jaw function.

How does the joint work?

The temporomandibular joint connects the mandible (lower jaw) to the temporal bone at the side of the head. Opening the mouth involves a combination of hinging, sliding and gliding movement. Muscles around the joint control these movements. The articular disc sits between the joint surfaces and helps absorb load during activities such as chewing and biting.

• Disc displacement may affect how the joint moves.
• Changes to the cartilage or joint surfaces may be associated with arthritis.
• A direct impact to the joint can affect its function.
• Clenching and grinding may contribute to symptoms.

Common symptoms of TMD

Symptoms can include jaw and facial pain, ear pain, jaw clicking or grinding, bite changes and limited mouth opening. Other reported symptoms include neck and shoulder pain, tooth or throat pain, difficulty swallowing, tinnitus, dizziness, eye pain and sinus congestion.

• Aching facial pain or tenderness.
• Pain in or around the ear, jaw or teeth.
• Restricted or painful mouth opening.
• Clicking, popping or crunching sounds in the jaw.
• Headaches and pain with chewing or biting.
• Neck pain or blocked-ear sensations.

Clenching and grinding (bruxism)

Bruxism is the term used for teeth grinding. It often occurs during sleep and a person may not be aware of it. The original site describes stress, medication side effects and genetic predisposition as possible influences, and notes that clenching or grinding can be associated with jaw pain, headaches, disrupted sleep, muscle pain and tooth damage.

Headaches and migraines

Headaches have many possible causes. The original site advises assessment by a qualified health professional to rule out more serious causes, especially if a headache is new or different from usual. Migraine and tension-type headaches are two types noted in connection with TMD.

The clinic describes migraine as often severe and pulsating, and explains that jaw or neck symptoms may be associated with headache triggers. Tension-type headache is described as a steady ache, often across the forehead, which may relate to myofascial pain in the jaw or neck muscles.

Neck pain and jaw symptoms

Jaw and neck symptoms can occur together because the jaw muscles and neck function are closely related. Neck pain may follow trauma such as whiplash or develop alongside ongoing posture-related strain. Jaw pain can also be felt near the ear because the joint sits close to the ear canal.

If neck pain comes with pins and needles, numbness, tingling, nausea, dizziness, vision changes or speech changes, the original site advises a thorough assessment to exclude a nerve or vascular cause.

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