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Joint pain in the body -

When we think about the joints in the body, the large ones such as the hips and knees, that support our mobility, probably come to mind first.

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The TMJ -

However, in front of the ears, two joints run connecting the lower jaw bone to the temporal bones of the skull, on each side of the head.

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The TMJ -

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, or jaw joints. The muscles controlling these joints allow the jaw to move.

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Mandible movement -

This set of joints, when intact, are the only ones in the human body that work together as a unit. They connect the lower jaw bone (mandible) to the temporal bones of the skull on each side of the head.

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Mandible movement -

The muscles controlling the joints are attached to the mandible. They allow the jaw to move in three different directions: up and down, side to side, and forward and back.

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Most complicated joint in the body -

The synchronized, three-dimensional movements of the TMJ set it apart as the most complicated joint in the body. It differs in composition to weight-bearing joints like the knee or hip.

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Temporomandibular disorders -

Pain in the jaw joint and surrounding tissues accompanied by limitation in jaw movements are referred to as temporomandibular disorders (TMDs).

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Complex multisystem condition -

Recent research has discovered that TMD is a complex multisystem condition involving the circulatory, digestive, endocrine, exocrine, immune, muscular, nervous, reproductive, respiratory, and the skeletal systems.

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Not limited to the jaw -

As a result, TMD is no longer seen as a condition that's limited solely to the jaw and teeth areas of the body.

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Other conditions -

It's been found that up to 85% of patients with TMD suffer from other conditions, both pain and non-pain, in other parts of the body.

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Other conditions -

The TMJ's are also affected by a number of connective tissue disorders and autoimmune diseases. For this reason, multiple systems of the body are usually involved when there's a case of TMD.

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Autoimmune joint diseases -

If you suffer with arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, lupus, scleroderma, mixed connective tissue disease, etc.—these can affect the TMJs.

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Women and comorbidities -

Comorbidities are chronic, long-term diseases or conditions that occur together. Certain autoimmune conditions are considered comorbid because they occur too frequently with TMD to be by chance. Many of the autoimmune comorbidities occur more frequently in women.

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What happens with TMD? -

The left, right, or both components of the TMJ may be involved. Depending on the severity, TMD can affect a person’s ability to speak, chew, swallow, make facial expressions, and even breathe.

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Who is affected? -

TMD primarily affects women in their childbearing years. They experience the most severe symptoms, and are affected by the disorder at around a 9:1 ratio compared to men. However, the disorder does occur in both men and women.

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Causes -

TMD is complex, and there are often multiple causes. Sometimes there's actually no obvious cause why it has developed in a person.

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Causes -

Autoimmune diseases, infections, injuries to the jaw area, dental procedures, and various forms of arthritis are known causes.

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A genetic link -

Studies have shown that genetic factors can contribute to the disorder. What's more, genetic experiments are leading to the discovery of new ways to treat TMD.

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An estrogen link? -

Additionally, hormonal and environmental factors can increase the risk. The observation that it's more commonly found in women in their childbearing years has led to research on the role of female sex hormones, particularly estrogen, on TMD.

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Symptoms -

Symptoms can range from sounds in the joint to severe, debilitating pain. However, some people report no pain but experience problems moving their jaw.

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Symptoms -

Symptoms may include pain in the jaw muscles, pain in the neck and shoulders, chronic headaches, jaw muscle stiffness, and/or limited movement or locking of the jaw.

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Symptoms -

There can be ringing in the ears (tinnitus), grating in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth, a bite that feels “off,” dizziness, or vision problems.

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The effects of untreated TMD -

If left untreated, TMD can lead to dental erosion. Sufferers experience greater wear and tear that leads to flattening and cracks in the teeth.

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Bruxism -

Bruxism is excessive teeth grinding or jaw clenching. Sometimes TMD causes it, other times the reverse is true. Either way, it causes jaw stiffness and pain, and it can lead to radiating discomfort in the head, neck, and upper back.

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Loss of jaw cartilage and bone mass -

TMD can permanently damage the jaw without corrective measures. The cartilage that supports the joint can wear away, while the jawbone may erode to cause painful friction that can lead to dislocation.

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Hearing complications -

Joint inflammation can damage the auditory nerves connected to your ears, as each of the jaw joints are located beneath your ears. The damage can cause tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or hearing loss.

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Face changes -

If severe TMD is left untreated for a long time, jawbone erosion can visibly change the proportions of your face. It can also make the jaw look tilted and asymmetrical from imbalance in the jaw if it loses height and begins to slant on one side.

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Treatments -

Simple home therapy for a few weeks is usually sufficient for people who have mild TMD symptoms. For example, an ice or moist heat pack and avoiding extreme jaw movements like singing and wide yawning.

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Treatments -

According to the National Institutes of Health, only the most conservative, reversible treatments that do not invade the tissues of the face, jaw, or joint, or that do not involve surgery, should be used to treat TMD.

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Keep in mind -

Remember, occasional clicking or discomfort in the jaw joint or chewing muscles is common. A lot of the time, it won't be a cause for concern. Often, the problem goes away by itself in several weeks or months.

Sources: (The TMJ Association) (Divine Smiles) (Gulch Dental Studio) (National Institutes of Health)

See also: Avoid these things before going to the dentist

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