Temporomandibular Joint Problems

TMJ disorders — a type of temporomandibular disorder or TMD — can cause pain in your jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement. ... Your pain may be due to a combination of factors, such as genetics, arthritis or jaw injury.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome facts

The temporomandibular joint is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. When this joint is injured or damaged, it can lead to a localized pain disorder called temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome.

Causes of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome include injury to the teeth or jaw, misalignment of the teeth or jaw, teeth grinding, poor posture, stress, arthritis, and gum chewing.

Signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome include
- pain in the jaw joint,
- jaw clicking and popping,
- ear pain/earache,
- popping sounds in ears,
- headaches,
- stiff or sore jaw muscles,
- pain in the temple area, or
- locking of the jaw joint.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome often responds to home remedies, including ice packs to the joint, over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), avoiding chewing gum, massage or gentle stretches of the jaw and neck, and stress reduction.