TMJ - Tempomandibular Joint Dysfunction

"TMJ" stands for TemporoMandibular. There are two TMJs, one in front of each ear, connecting the lower jaw bone (the mandible) to the skull. The joints allow movement up and down, side-to-side, and forward and back-all the mobility necessary for biting, chewing and swallowing food, for speaking and for making facial expressions. It is by far the most complex and most over-worked joint in the human body.

Over 10 million people in the USA suffer from TMJ or temporomandibular joint syndrome, a condition in which the temporomandibular joint does not function correctly. This joint connects the temporal bone, which is the bone that forms the sides of the skull with the jawbone. This painful affliction produces pain in the muscles and joints of the jaw that sometimes radiates to the ear, face, neck, and shoulder. There may also be difficulty opening the mouth all the way, and clicking, grinding, and popping noises may occur during chewing and movement of the joint. Headaches, toothaches, dizziness, feelings of pain and pressure behind the eyes, pain and tinnitus or ringing in the ears, and difficulty opening and closing the jaw normally are other possible symptoms.