What is TMJ?

It is the Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ).

"TMJ" is a popular buzzword in our society which, in reality, is an acronym for an anatomical body part, the temporomandibular joint. "TMJ" is not a syndrome, nor a disease, but is merely a designation for the human jaw joint. To say someone "has TMJ" is the same as saying someone "has a knee, an elbow or heart". We all have TMJ; it's just a matter of to what degree we may be experiencing discomfort in the joint. 

The TMJ is comprised of muscles, blood supplies, nerves, and bones. You have 2 TMJs, one on each side of your jaw.

The joint where the mandible (the lower jaw) joins the temporal bone of the skull, immediately in front of the ear on each side of your head. A small disc of cartilage separates the bones, much like in the knee joint, so that the mandible may slide easily; each time you chew you move it. But you also move it every time you talk and each time you swallow (every three minutes or so). It is, therefore, one of the most frequently used of all joints of the body and one of the most complex.

How to locate the TMJ.

If you place your fingers just in front of your ears and open your mouth, you can feel the joint and its movement. When you open your mouth, the rounded ends of the lower jaw (condyles) glide along the joint socket of the temporal bone. The condyles slide back to their original position when you close your mouth. To keep this motion smooth, a soft disc lies between the condyle and the temporal bone. This disc absorbs shock to the temporomandibular joint from chewing and other movements. Chewing creates a strong force. This disc distributes the forces of chewing throughout the joint space.

Symptoms:

• Ear pain
• Sore jaw muscles
• Temple/cheek pain
• Jaw popping/clicking
• Locking of the jaw
• Difficulty in opening the mouth fully
• Frequent head/neck aches
  
  

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  Possible Causes of TMJ

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  In most patients, pain associated with the TMJ is a result of displacement of the cartilage disc that causes pressure and stretching of the associated sensory nerves. The popping or clicking occurs when the disk snaps into place when the jaw moves. In addition, the chewing muscles may spasm, not function efficiently, and cause pain and tenderness.

  Both major and minor trauma to the jaw can significantly contribute to the development of TMJ problems. Not all causes are known. Some possible causes or contributing factors are injuries to the jaw area, various forms of Arthritis, dental procedures, genetics, hormones, low-level infections, auto-immune diseases, stretching of the jaw as occurs with inserting a breathing tube before surgery, and clenching or grinding of the teeth. If you habitually clench, grit, or grind your teeth, you increase the wear on the cartilage lining of the joint, and it doesn't have a chance to recover. Many persons are unaware that they grind their teeth, unless someone tells them so.

  Chewing gum much of the day can cause similar problems. Stress and other psychological factors have also been implicated as contributory factors to TMJ dysfunction. Other causes include teeth that do not fit together properly (improper bite), malpositioned jaws, and arthritis. In certain cases, chronic malposition of the cartilage disc and persistent wear in the cartilage lining of the joint space can cause further damage.

How to deal with TMJ

Generally simple, gentle and knowledgeable massage therapies are usually recommended first. TMJ is an advanced technique and should only be preformed by a properly trained and knowledgeable massage therapist. Don't let just anyone start poking in your mouth.

If those don't work, mouth guards and more aggressive treatments may be considered. Surgery is generally considered a last resort. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take at home long before that point.

Try massaging the various muscles that may be involved. Probe all of the muscles of the face, shoulders, and back of the neck. (Avoid the area around the throat.) Press on the muscles to identify extremely painful points. Massage the painful spot with hard, slow, short strokes. Do this several times a day until the muscle is no longer painful when pressed.

To massage the masseter muscles on each side of your jaw, place your thumb inside your mouth and squeeze the thick muscle in your cheek (toward the back of your mouth) with your fingers. To get at the harder-to-reach jaw muscles inside your mouth, use your index finger to probe for tender areas behind the teeth, and use the finger to massage these spots.

Here are some other steps to consider:

• Maintain good posture while working at a computer, watching TV, and reading. Take frequent breaks to relieve stressed muscles.
• Make a habit of relaxing your facial and jaw muscles throughout the day.
• Avoid eating hard foods, like nuts, candies, and steak.
• Drink plenty of water every day and get plenty of sleep.
• Learn relaxation techniques to reduce overall stress and muscle tension in your back, neck, and body.

Other home-care therapies are useful for some people, such as moist heat or cold packs on the face, vitamin supplements, or biofeedback. Exercising several times each week may help you relax, strengthen your body, increase flexibility, and increase your pain threshold.

Prevention

Many of the home-care steps to treat TMJ problems can prevent such problems in the first place:

• Maintain good posture, especially if you work all day at a computer. Pause frequently to change position, rest your hands and arms, and relieve stressed muscles.
• Learn relaxation techniques to reduce overall stress and muscle tension.
• Avoid eating hard foods and chewing gum.
• Drink plenty of water every day and get plenty of sleep.
• Use safety measures to reduce the risk of fractures and dislocations.