Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome is a condition that causes frequent pain in the jaw joint. The pain occurs where the jaw meets the skull, just in front of the ear on each side. Another term for this disorder is myofascial pain dysfunction.
TMJ syndrome is more common in women than men.
The most common cause of TMJ syndrome is frequent clenching of the jaw or grinding of the teeth. You may clench your jaws or grind your teeth when you are feeling stressed. You may do this mainly when you are sleeping, so you may not even know you are doing it.
Certain anatomic and dental abnormalities, such as problems of teeth alignment, are other possible causes of TMJ syndrome.
Chronic pain in the jaw can be caused by injury; for example, from prolonged or repeated opening of the jaw or a direct blow to the joint. Pain from the injury may seem to go away after just a short time, but months to years later painful traumatic arthritis may develop in the joint. Other forms of arthritis can occur in the jaw as well, such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.
The most common symptom is pain in the jaw joint. The pain is usually dull but sometimes sharp. In most cases the pain is definitely worse when you move your jaw, especially when you are chewing. If you are grinding your teeth at night, the pain may also be worse first thing in the morning.
Your jaw may click or pop, and you may not be able to completely open your jaw. Headache is another possible symptom.
The painful symptoms of TMJ syndrome can be similar to the symptoms of other conditions, such as ear problems. For this reason, you should see your health care provider about the pain.
Your health care provider will want to know when your jaw hurts and how long it has been hurting. He or she will ask if your jaw has been injured or if you have had dental work recently.
Your health care provider will examine your jaw for tenderness. An x-ray may be taken.
Avoid overusing your jaw. Rest your jaw by eating only soft food. Do not chew gum.
Try not to clench your jaw or grind your teeth. Your health care provider may recommend a bite block, a plastic mouthpiece that stops the teeth from grinding together. Bite blocks are usually worn only at night.
Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, can help the joint become less irritated. Sometimes steroid or cortisone injections in the joint are given to treat the inflammation.
If your pain is clearly related to stress, counseling and medication can help.
Your health care provider may refer you to a physical therapist for treatment, such as massage and hot packs.
If there is a problem with the way your teeth fit together when you bite, you may need to see a dentist.
Surgery is rarely necessary. Before you have jaw surgery, get a second opinion, preferably from a health care provider who specializes in TMJ syndrome.
Avoid overusing your jaw (for example, avoid gum chewing). Try not to grind your teeth.