TMJ
Regain Your Active Life
We want to see all our patients attain and maintain a level of wellness care. This is when your body is fully healed and only needing maintenance adjustments. It is still recommended to come in for periodic adjustments to keep things running smoothly. This requires a quick visit 1-4 times per month based on your lifestyle and goals.
What is TMJ?
TMJ is an abbreviation for the temporomandibular joint which connects the mandibular, or your lower jaw, to the temporal bones of the skull. The TMJ is one of the more unique joints within your body as it allows you to move your jaw forward, backward, and side to side so that you can chew, talk, sing, yawn, and more. This joint can be found just in front of your ears on both sides of your head.
Any problem with the muscles, ligaments, discs, bones, or the joint itself are known as temporomandibular disorders or TMD and refers to the actual disorder, where the jaw joint is misaligned and causing problems such as pain, inflammation, and inability to move or operate the jaw. However, these problems or conditions are often incorrectly called by the joint name of TMJ instead.
Symptoms of TMJ
- Pain or discomfort in the jaw joint
- Clicking or popping sounds
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
- Headaches or migraines
- Ear pain or ringing in
Risk Factors of TMJ
- Age
- Genetics
- Arthritis
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Stress
Possible Cause
Possible causes of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders include teeth grinding or clenching, poor posture, jaw injury, and underlying medical conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia.