TMJ Dysfunction: Causes, Signs, and Symptoms

Pain and discomfort in your face and jaw can be disruptive to your daily life, especially while eating, drinking, and talking. The discomfort you are experiencing could be caused by Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dysfunction. Understanding the causes and symptoms will guide you in deciding which treatment may best suit your needs.

TMJ is usually not a serious condition but can sometimes be caused by underlying issues. The condition affects the joints of the jaw as well as the surrounding ligaments and muscular tissues. This condition generally causes discomfort and pain but is preventable and treatable.

What Is TMJ?

TMJ is often incorrectly used as the term to describe the condition that causes jaw discomfort. However, TMJ is just the jaw joint itself. TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint and is the joint that connects your skull and mandible (jaw), completing your facial and head structure.

The joint is found on both sides of your face, just in front of your ears, and allows you to open and close your mouth and move the jaw from side to side. If you place your finger in the spot just next to your earlobes while opening and closing your jaw, you can feel movement under your fingers. This is roughly where your TMJ is situated.

While TMJ is commonly used as the term for the multiple disorders that can affect these joints, it is more correct to refer to the conditions as TMD or TMJD.

What Is TMD?

TMD is the term used to class all the disorders that affect the Temporomandibular Joint and the surrounding structures. TMD can be used to describe any problem that interrupts the normal functioning of the complex systems in the facial region including the joints, bones, and muscles. The issues can be caused by disorders or by a dysfunction of the joints or other structures.

The common disorders that arise and cause dysfunction in this region are:

• Myofascial pain is the most common type of TMD which results in general pain or discomfort in the connective tissue and the muscles in the jaw, shoulders, and neck. Myofascial pain has many causes and underlying issues that should be addressed to alleviate pain and discomfort.
• Degenerative joint disease is caused by the natural ageing of the joints found in the facial region.
• Internal derangement of the joint occurs after a displaced disk between the jaw bone and the skull, a dislocated jaw, or an injury to the jaw bone.

The Causes of TMD

Many issues can cause TMD and it’s often hard to determine the exact cause. Any form of strain or injury to the jaw area as well as underlying illnesses can cause dysfunction of these structures.

Possible causes of TMD include:

• Jaw injuries — direct trauma to the jaw, neck, or shoulder
• Stress — results in unconscious clenching of the jaw, causing muscle tightness
• Bruxism — the habit of clenching and/or grinding of the teeth
• An improper bite — an over- or under-bite
• Dental procedures
• Eating food that requires chewing effort — foods like biltong, nuts or chewing gum
• Chewing on one side of the mouth more than the other
• Dislocation of the ball and socket joint — on account of traumatic injury or hypermobility syndrome
• Conditions causing paralysis or weakness of facial muscles – Bell’s Palsy or Stroke
• Structural jaw issues
• Arthritis

Common Symptoms of TMD

Depending on the cause of TMD and the length of time that the dysfunction has been present, there are various signs and symptoms. You may experience one or more of these symptoms and they can often be mistaken for other medical conditions.

These common symptoms of TMD could signify the need to consult your doctor or physio if the pain or discomfort is interrupting your daily life.

• Jaw and facial pain or tenderness
• Headaches or migraines
• Ear aches
• Tinnitus – ringing in the ears
• Toothache
• Pain or discomfort while chewing; talking or yawning
• Locking of the jaw with opening or closing your mouth
• Popping or clicking sounds when opening and closing your mouth
• Limited range of motion when opening your mouth – you should be able to fit 3-4 fingers vertically in your mouth
• Facial swelling
• Neck and shoulder pain

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience one or more of the symptoms above you should consult a medical professional to diagnose the problem. This is especially important if the symptoms are affecting your quality of life and making it difficult to eat regularly.

While minor symptoms are not usually a cause for concern, it’s better to seek medical attention earlier rather than later. Early treatment and prevention is better than cure.

You can speak to your general practitioner, dentist, or physiotherapist about your symptoms and they will be able to give a diagnosis or refer you to a specialist if necessary.

How Is TMD Diagnosed?

TMD can be difficult to diagnose due to the high number of probable causes and the wide range of symptoms that can indicate other problems.

However, medical professionals such as your doctor or physiotherapist are equipped to diagnose you based on your symptoms and medical history. Your dentist may even pick up TMJ problems during a routine dental check-up or when carrying out a dental procedure.

In some cases, radiological findings can help to diagnose TMJ when there is a structural underlying cause. These procedures usually pick up TMJ when used for other reasons, such as when getting braces. It is rarely the case that a doctor will recommend a radiological scan solely for TMJ symptoms.

Treatment Options for TMD

Treatment options for TMJ dysfunction will depend on the cause of the pain and discomfort and the type of symptoms you are experiencing. There are several options for home management or medical management of TMD. Discuss treatment options with your doctor, physio, or dentist to determine the best TMJ dysfunction management for you.

Risk Factors for TMD

TMJ dysfunction can happen to anyone at any stage of their life, although there are instances that create a higher risk of developing this condition. Take note of the following risk factors to minimize your chances of developing TMJ if possible.

• A traumatic jaw injury, in the case of contact sports, can increase the risk of developing TMD. Wear the correct protective gear during contact sports to reduce the risk.
• Inflammatory conditions including types of arthritis can lead to TMD and should be treated as soon as possible under the guidance of a medical professional.
• Grinding and clenching your teeth will stress the muscles and the joint. This can be prevented by wearing a dental plate, in addition to reducing stress.
• Improper posture should be avoided to prevent TMD as well as back, neck, and shoulder problems.
• Playing brass or wind instruments that require you to bite down on a mouthpiece can cause an overuse injury. Exercising and stretching the jaw muscles and resting the jaw enough will help prevent TMD.
• People who are hypermobile from birth are at higher risk of developing TMD.

Frequently Asked Questions About TMD

Can TMD go away on its own?

In certain cases, TMJ dysfunction will clear up on its own depending on the severity of the dysfunction and the underlying cause. In cases where TMD is caused by teeth clenching and stress, patients may experience flare-ups from time to time. Certain causes of TMD will require treatment to cure the condition.

Is TMD a permanent condition?

In most cases, TMD is not a permanent condition and can be resolved with the correct treatment method. Certain causes of TMD may lead to a chronic condition and some will require regular treatment to manage the condition to prevent prolonged pain and discomfort.

What will happen if TMD is left untreated?

TMD is not a life-threatening condition, however, it does affect your quality of life and the severity of the condition will determine how much of a disruption it can be. Consult a physiotherapist or doctor for a proper diagnosis and explore treatment options as you may need a combined approach.

Final Thoughts

TMJ dysfunction is not a condition that you need to suffer with alone, it can be treated. Contact Pegram Physiotherapy today and see how we can help you restore your quality of life.