Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD)

Conditions We Treat

What is the TMJ and what exactly is TMD?

TMD, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, encompasses a range of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), jaw muscles, facial muscles, ligaments, and related structures. The term "temporomandibular joint" refers to the joint connecting the temporal bone (skull) and the mandible (lower jaw bone).

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts as a hinge, connecting the jawbone to the skull. The TMJ allows essential functions like chewing, talking, and jaw movements. TMD is an umbrella term for a range of disorders affecting the temporomandibular joint, the associated muscles and certain headache disorders related to pain in such structures.

How Do I Know if I Have TMD?

People with TMD can experience a spectrum of symptoms, including varying degrees of jaw and facial pain, limited jaw movement, jaw locking, clicking or popping sounds in the jaw, and headaches. The pain typically involves the muscles used for chewing and the jaw joints. It can also radiate to the area in front of and around the ear and beyond.

The pain is often associated with jaw movements like chewing and yawning. Patients often describe it as achy, pressure-like, sharp, or dull, which distinguishes it from conditions characterised by electric or throbbing pain. Episodes of pain can be brief and self-resolving or become chronic, lasting for extended periods.

Recognizing TMD can be challenging, as its symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions. However, if you experience jaw pain, clicking or grating sensations, headaches, or unexplained earaches, it could be indicative of TMD. Seeking help from an expert in orofacial pain management is essential because TMD can significantly impact your well-being and daily activities and function.

For many patients, TMD related pain can affect eating, speaking, and even sleeping. Left untreated, TMD can worsen and lead to further complications. These include increased inflammation in the jaw joint, muscle tension and degeneration in the joint.

What could be Causing my TMD?

TMD can stem from various causes, with two primary categories: muscular and joint-related disorders.

Muscular TMD may result from factors such as excessive use of chewing muscles, muscle knots (trigger points), injury, muscle enlargement, or underlying medical conditions. Overuse can be triggered by habits like chewing tough foods, wide yawning, prolonged talking, nail biting, or teeth clenching/grinding.

Joint-related TMD can be linked to factors like injury, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, other autoimmune conditions, underdevelopment, or issues with the jaw joint's disc (leading to clicking and popping sounds). Pain often escalates during periods of high stress, poor sleep, anxiety, depression, or other medical conditions. Medical issues, such as migraines, fibromyalgia, lower back pain, and past facial, head, or jaw injuries, can also contribute to TMD. Additionally, TMJ pain and neck pain can exacerbate each other because the nerves governing these areas directly communicate within the brainstem's pain centres.

Can TMD be causing my Headaches?

TMD can be a culprit behind headaches for many individuals. Factors such as stress, teeth grinding (bruxism), poor posture, arthritis, jaw injury, or misalignment of the teeth can contribute to TMJ dysfunction, which in turn can trigger headaches. The pain from TMJ-related headaches often radiates from the jaw area to other parts of the head, including the temples, forehead, eyes and even the neck. This type of headache is often described as a dull ache or pressure around the temples or in the jaw area.

What Can be Done for my TMD?

At NCOFP, our goal is to provide effective relief and personalised care for each patient since clinical evidence shows that early expert intervention can lead to better results and an improved quality of life. A comprehensive evaluation helps determine the best strategy for the specific TMD condition. During this examination Dr. Chah will also conduct a cranial nerve screening checking for any abnormalities, evaluate your neck, and ask about headaches and sleep problems. Management strategies for TMD may include custom orthotic devices for the jaw joint, exercises tailored to your specific condition, medications, jaw joint injections and in certain cases a multi-disciplinary approach and surgical intervention. If you suspect TMD or experience any TMJ-related symptoms, don't hesitate or wait to get the help you need. Together, we can find solutions to help you get back to doing the things that matter without the burden of pain.