Understanding TMJ Disorders:

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders affect the jaw joint and surrounding muscles causing pain, discomfort, restricted movement or even cracking/clicking noises. This can interfere with daily activities like speaking and eating that impacts our quality of life.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jawbone (mandible) to the skull, allowing the movement required for talking, yawning and chewing. A TMJ disorder occurs when the joint becomes misaligned, damaged or inflamed leading to dysfunction and discomfort.
TMJ disorder can result from multiple factors, including:

• Jaw Injury: Trauma to the jaw or head can damage the TMJ, leading to chronic pain and dysfunction (Leeuw & Klasser, 2018).
• Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Habitual clenching or grinding of teeth, especially during sleep, puts excessive stress on the jaw joint (Lobbezoo et al., 2018).
• Arthritis: Conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the TMJ, causing inflammation and deterioration (Wright et al., 2016).
• Misalignment of the Jaw or Teeth: Uneven bite or dental issues can strain the TMJ (Pérez del Palomar & Doblaré, 2007).
• Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress can lead to jaw clenching, exacerbating TMJ symptoms (Manfredini et al., 2010).
• Poor Posture: Slouching or holding the head in a forward position for extended periods can contribute to jaw tension (Hiraba et al., 2017).

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth
• Difficulty chewing or discomfort while eating
• Locking of the jaw joint
• Headaches or earaches
• Facial pain or swelling
• Neck and shoulder pain

Preventing TMJ Disorder
While TMJ disorder is not always preventable, some habits can reduce the risk or severity of symptoms:

• Maintaining good posture to avoid unnecessary jaw strain
• Practicing relaxation techniques to reduce stress-induced clenching
• Avoiding chewing gum or hard foods that overwork the jaw muscles
• Seeking prompt dental care for bite alignment issues.

TMJ disorder can be painful and disruptive, but understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options can empower individuals to manage it effectively.
 
See one of our Drs of Chiropractic at Sprouting Health for more advice and management options.
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References

• Hiraba, K., Hu, D., Kuroki, T., & Seno, A. (2017). Influence of head posture on the electromyographic activity of jaw-closing muscles. Clinical Biomechanics, 46, 93-98.
• Leeuw, R., & Klasser, G. D. (2018). Orofacial pain: Guidelines for assessment, diagnosis, and management. Quintessence Publishing.
• Lobbezoo, F., Ahlberg, J., Raphael, K. G., Wetselaar, P., Glaros, A. G., & Kato, T. (2018). International consensus on the assessment of bruxism: Report of a work in progress. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 45(11), 837-844.
• Manfredini, D., Lobbezoo, F., & Poggio, C. E. (2010). Correlation between stress and temporomandibular disorders: A systematic review. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 37(6), 407-411.
• Pérez del Palomar, A., & Doblaré, M. (2007). Influence of dental occlusion on the biomechanical behavior of the temporomandibular joint disk. Journal of Biomechanics, 40(8), 1643-1652.
• Wright, E. F., North, S. L., & Nelson, C. J. (2016). Management and treatment of temporomandibular disorders: A clinical perspective. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 24(3), 157-167.