TMJ Disorders - The Great Mimic

The letters TMJ are the abbreviation of Temporo- Mandibular Joint, which is the joint between your lower jaw and your skull.

Movement of this joint allows you to open and close your mouth and chew from side to side. Problems with this joint are common, nine out of ten people having at least one sign or symptom. If your jaw is in the wrong position, the muscles that move your jaw will have to work a lot harder. Your teeth come together up to 2000 times a during biting and swallowing so it is not surprising that a TMJ problem can lead to muscles getting tired and going into spasm.

In some cases, however, the diagnosis is never made because TMJ disorders can lead to variety of seemingly unconnected presenting symptoms a multi-disciplinary approach between chiropractors and dentists mean correct and timely intervention.

What does it cause?

Headaches, neck, shoulder and back pain, facial pain, ear pain, dizziness and tinnitus are commonly associated with TMJ dysfunction. This diagnosis may be missed. Pain or clicking in the jaw and grinding teeth, recurrent dental problems such as loose or broken teeth and decreased jaw movement are more likely to be attributed to jaw problems because of their more obvious association. Of course, diagnosis can be difficult because such a variety of symptoms can be caused by so many other conditions.

For example, trigeminal neuralgia, sinus problems or ear infections. That is why it is important to seek an expert opinion from a chiropractor or dentist.