What is it?
The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is a complex joint consisting of the mandible (jaw) bone and the temporal bone of the skull. This joint is located in front of the ear. The joint consists of two convex surfaces with a fibro-cartilaginous disc (a firm but flexible tissue) in between the two bones to aid in congruity of the joint. The two convex surfaces make the TMJ more susceptible to dislocations. The term TMJ dysfunction is a vague term for jaw pain. This can range from poor uneven movement of the jaw to a subluxation of the joints.
What is the cause of it?
The causes of TMJ pain can be traumatic or non-traumatic. Traumatic causes usually involve blunt trauma such as being hit in head which is common in people doing marshal arts e.g. boxing. Whiplash can also be a cause of jaw pain. Non-traumatic examples of jaw pain can be caused by biting down hard on an object such as trying to crack an open wall nut with your teeth or trying to bite large objects. TMJ pain can also be caused by the removal of teeth from the jaw bone or infection of the teeth. Stress and Bruxism (grinding teeth during sleep) is also a common cause of TMJ pain.
How does it feel?
There maybe pain when opening and closing the jaw or while chewing food or talking. Clicking of the jaw upon opening and closing may also occur. The jaw may deviate to one side during movement. Headaches may also accompany the jaw pain or the TMJ dysfunction may manifest as a headache. Often ringing in the ears (tinnitus) can also be heard when talking and chewing. Bruxism (clenching and grinding of the teeth) can often also be present which may also disturb sleep.
What should you do?
Icing the affected joint will be helpful, resting will also aid in recovery. You should consult our osteopaths when possible.
What shouldn't you do?
You should avoid biting large objects, avoid chewing hard food.
Could there be any long term effects?
If left untreated this can lead to dental problems such as excessive wearing of the teeth. The disc inside the joint may become permanently damaged leading to early arthritis of the TMJ. Insomnia and headaches could also develop.
The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is a complex joint consisting of the mandible (jaw) bone and the temporal bone of the skull. This joint is located in front of the ear. The joint consists of two convex surfaces with a fibro-cartilaginous disc (a firm but flexible tissue) in between the two bones to aid in congruity of the joint. The two convex surfaces make the TMJ more susceptible to dislocations. The term TMJ dysfunction is a vague term for jaw pain. This can range from poor uneven movement of the jaw to a subluxation of the joints.
What is the cause of it?
The causes of TMJ pain can be traumatic or non-traumatic. Traumatic causes usually involve blunt trauma such as being hit in head which is common in people doing marshal arts e.g. boxing. Whiplash can also be a cause of jaw pain. Non-traumatic examples of jaw pain can be caused by biting down hard on an object such as trying to crack an open wall nut with your teeth or trying to bite large objects. TMJ pain can also be caused by the removal of teeth from the jaw bone or infection of the teeth. Stress and Bruxism (grinding teeth during sleep) is also a common cause of TMJ pain.
How does it feel?
There maybe pain when opening and closing the jaw or while chewing food or talking. Clicking of the jaw upon opening and closing may also occur. The jaw may deviate to one side during movement. Headaches may also accompany the jaw pain or the TMJ dysfunction may manifest as a headache. Often ringing in the ears (tinnitus) can also be heard when talking and chewing. Bruxism (clenching and grinding of the teeth) can often also be present which may also disturb sleep.
What should you do?
Icing the affected joint will be helpful, resting will also aid in recovery. You should consult our osteopaths when possible.
What shouldn't you do?
You should avoid biting large objects, avoid chewing hard food.
Could there be any long term effects?
If left untreated this can lead to dental problems such as excessive wearing of the teeth. The disc inside the joint may become permanently damaged leading to early arthritis of the TMJ. Insomnia and headaches could also develop.