The Mysterious TMJ Problem

Despite the millions of people who suffer from TMJD (Temporo Mandibular Jaw Disorder) there is mostly just educated speculation as to the possible causes of this disorder.


The temporo mandibular joints are small ball-and-socket hinge like structures on each side of your head that essentially connect your lower jaw to your skull.
The surfaces of these bones are covered with cartilage, so bone is not grinding on bone, and the surfaces are also separated by a small disk which acts as a shock absorber.


Researches now divide the disorders of the temporomandibular joint into three categories: one is myofascial pain, and it is the most common.
Then there is of the internal derangement of the joint, which means the jaw is dislocated, the disc is displaced, or the condyle is injured.
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The causes of TMJD seem to be as variable as the people who have it.
Women are more likely to develop this condition than men.
Some develop this condition due to facial or head injuries because of blows to the head, jaw or face, or from whiplash A great many sufferers indicate that they developed TMJ pain after prolonged dental procedures.
Do you need orthotics in your shoes? Perhaps there is a genetic connection.
Another recent study suggests there is a link to serotonin levels.
Arthritis can certainly be a cause, as can simply having tight jaw muscles due to stress.
Excessive gum chewing, nail biting and gnawing on items like plastic straws can overtax the muscles of this joint.
When TMJ affects the ear, one may then experience dizziness, lightheadedness, ringing in the ears, and a fullness or pressure on the ear drum.


Pain from the jaw can also radiate down your shoulders into your arms.
In fact, the old song about the leg bone being connected to the hip bone, being connected to the back bone is an entirely appropriate analogy of TMJ pain.


Fortunately, most people suffering from TMJ disorder will recover without medical intervention.
Sadly, there are those for whom the pain of this disorder will become an indelible black mark on the fabric of their lives.
Whether your case of TMJD is fleeting or permanent, experts agree that one of the most important things you can do is to ease the stress on the jaw joint, and this can be done through dietary changes.
It does mean, however, that a diet that is easy to chew will be most helpful for your condition.
Learning stress reduction techniques is another possible course of action, as well as short-term use of pain relievers.
Mouth guards will help prevent damage to one's teeth if one is grinding and clenching excessively, especially at night.
For some people, wearing a foreign object in one's mouth can cause an increase in clenching and grinding and resulting pain.
More medical treatment is not necessarily better.
Conservative treatments do not invade the tissues of the face, jaw or joint.
Scientists have learned that certain irreversible treatments, such as surgical replacement of jaw joints with artificial implants, may cause severe pain and permanent jaw damage.
Sleep can be disturbed, work can be compromised, activities are affected (whether they be sports, exercise, singing, or playing wind instruments) participation in group outings can be affected, and your dental health as well as your overall health and well being can suffer.
Most of us are sadly lacking in this virtue and want a quick fix, but patience, time, a softer diet, and stress management will go a long way in easing the pain of this disorder for the majority of people who suffer from it. ELIMINATE TMJ Click Here!