TMJ

Pain, Ache, a Clicking Jaw, and Trouble Chewing

The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, works like a hinge for your jaw. TMJ disorders can cause pain in the jaw joint and the muscles that control the jaw, pain around the ear, difficulty chewing, or facial ache. Also, TMJ can cause a clicking sound upon opening the mouth. TMJ may be caused by genetics, arthritis, injury, or a combination of factors. Grinding your teeth, which is called bruxism, sometimes is associated with jaw pain, but many people clench their teeth without developing TMJ. The pain and discomfort of TMJ disorders usually is temporary. Symptoms usually come on gradually with no precipitating injury or event.

TMJ can cause tension headaches.

Treatments We Provide

Possible causes of TMJ include muscle spasms, forward head posture, stress, and grinding of the teeth. After evaluating, questioning, and reviewing the history of a patient thought to have TMJ, we may proceed with treatment, which might include the application of heat or ice to decrease pain and muscle spasm, ultrasound to provide deep heat to tissues and improve mobility, massage for the pain, certain exercises, and postural instruction.

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