Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome, also known as myofacial pain-dysfunction syndrome, is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joints located on either side of the jaw. While the exact cause remains unclear, possible contributing factors include arthritis, malocclusion (bad bite), bruxism (teeth grinding), muscle tension, and psychological stress. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include jaw spasms, difficulty opening the mouth, clicking or popping sounds in the jaw, and pain that radiates to the head, neck, ears, and shoulders. Diagnosis typically involves X-rays and lab tests, which often reveal no abnormalities.
Treatment options vary based on the underlying cause but commonly involve local heat therapy, pain relief medications, and prescribed jaw exercises. In some cases, dental interventions or even surgery may be necessary. TMJ syndrome is relatively common, affecting an estimated 5 to 12 percent of the global population, yet many individuals may not seek treatment for their symptoms. Understanding TMJ syndrome can help those experiencing related symptoms to seek appropriate care and find relief.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome
Anatomy or system affected: Bones, head, joints, mouth, muscles, teeth
Definition: A disorder that produces pain and stiffness in the joint between the lower jawbone (mandible) and the temporal bone of the skull.
Causes and Symptoms
The exact cause of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome, or myofacial pain-dysfunction syndrome, is not known. Possible causes include arthritis, bad bite (malocclusion), grinding or clenching of the teeth (bruxism), muscle tension, and psychological stress. X-rays and laboratory tests carried out on people with this disorder usually reveal no abnormalities. Another potential cause of pain and stiffness in the temporomandibular joints at either side of the jaw is rheumatoid arthritis. With rheumatoid arthritis, however, the symptoms are most severe the first thing in the morning, which is not typically the case with TMJ syndrome.
TMJ syndrome affects the temporomandibular joints, producing mild to severe spasms and pain in the jaw muscles that sometimes make it difficult to open the jaw fully. Other symptoms can include blurred vision, clicking or popping of the jaw, and pain that extends into the head, neck, ears, and even as far as the shoulders.
Treatment and Therapy
If spasmodic pain exists in the jaw muscles, a physician should be consulted. Treatment to provide relief varies according to the underlying cause but typically includes local heat therapy, injections or sprays of local anesthetics, and simple analgesics, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen. Prescribed jaw exercises and relaxation techniques are also often helpful. Some cases may require dental procedures to improve jaw alignment or retainers to prevent clenching and grinding of the teeth. In the most severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.
Perspective and Prospects
TMJ syndrome is fairly common; most people who have spasmodic pain in the jaw muscles have this condition. It is estimated that between 5 and 12 percent of the world's population suffers from some form of TMJ syndrome, ranging from mild to very severe. The majority of cases, however, go untreated.
Bibliography
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"TMJ Disorders." Mayo Clinic, 28 Dec. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/symptoms-causes/syc-20350941. Accessed 9 Aug. 2023.