Everything you need to know about Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder

April 02 07:31 2025 Print This Article

Summary 

The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is an important facial joint connecting the lower jaw to the skull. It is crucial to everyday tasks such as speaking and eating. When the patient experiences pain, tension, or difficulty on opening and closing the jaw, it is termed a Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder. TMJ disorder is fairly common, affecting about 5-12% of adults, and is characterized by a popping or clicking sound while opening and closing the jaw. It is often accompanied by pain, a ringing sound in the ears, jaw stiffness and headaches. TMJ disorder could be caused by a range of factors, including mechanical injury to the TMJ, grinding the teeth (bruxism), conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, jaw misalignment, bad posture and stress. TMJ disorders are usually diagnosed by a dentist, in consultation with an orthodontist. Identifying the underlying cause of the TMJ disorder is crucial, as the correct treatment protocol will be recommended accordingly. To do this, the doctors may require a series of physical, dental and imaging tests (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs) to eliminate causes. The patient is usually recommended non-invasive courses of treatment, such as medication, physiotherapy, and hot-and-cold therapies as a start. If this is not effective, the doctor may suggest surgical interventions as needed.

What is the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)? 

The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is a facial joint connecting the lower jaw to the skull. Everyone has 2 such joints on either side of the face, just in front of the ears. These joints can slide and rotate, allowing the jaw to hinge open as well as move side-to-side and front-to-back. They consist of the mandible (lower jaw bone) and the temporal bone (the side and base of the skull), connected by the masseter muscle. This joint also has 3 ligaments, which help stabilise the joint. According to orthodontists, the temporomandibular joint is crucial to perform basic day-to-day tasks such as eating and speaking.

What is TMJ disorder? 

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are conditions affecting the bones, muscles and ligaments of the TMJ. These conditions can cause several problems including jaw pain, headaches, difficulty opening and closing the mouth and a locked jaw. Sometimes, patients may experience facial asymmetry as a result of TMJ disorder. TMJ disorder is treatable, and also curable. However, the causes of TMJ are many, and this can make diagnosing the root cause of the condition, and reversing, it a tricky task. Around 5 to 12% of the adult population suffers from some form of TMJ disorder.

TMJ disorders are of 3 major types

1. Disorder of the jaw joint – This could mean a dislocated jaw or a displaced disc of the temporomandibular joint. The rounded end of the jaw bone could also have been injured, resulting in this type of TMJ disorder.
2. Disorder of the chewing muscles – This is the most common type of TMJ disorder, and results in discomfort or pain in the masseter muscle and connective tissue of the jaw. This pain could also extend to the neck and shoulder.
3. Headaches that result from TMJ disorder

People suffering from TMJ disorder may experience more than one of these types at the same time.

What does TMJ disorder feel like? 

People who suffer from TMJ disorders often complain of jaw pain. According to maxillofacial surgeons, This pain could occur in one or both of the TMJ joints on either side of the jaw. The pain could also radiate the cheeks, ears and neck. Patients often report feeling the pain in the mornings, after waking up.

Patients have also reported other symptoms such as:

• Locking of the jaw – This makes it difficult to open and close the mouth, restricting the movement of the jaw joint
• Clicking or popping sounds – When the mouth is opened or closed, the patient may hear a distinct clicking or popping sound. This may or may not cause pain but is an indication that the temporomandibular joint is popping out of its socket when in use.
• Ear pain or discomfort
• A ringing sound in the ears (Tinnitus)
• Tooth aches, which appear to have no relationship with any dental issues
• Stiffness in the jaw
• Headaches
• Migraines
• Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing
• Vertigo

Many of these symptoms can resemble other diseases, so it is advised to consult a doctor and a dentist to get diagnosed correctly.

What causes TMJ disorder? 

There is no definitive cause of TMJ disorder. However, there are a range of factors that appear to contribute to it:

• Jaw injury or trauma – A direct blow to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can lead to dislocation, or a broken jaw.
• Grinding or clenching the teeth (Bruxism) – This usually happens subconsciously, and often at night when you are asleep. This can be caused by undue stress, anxiety, sleep disorders and certain medications. Patients who grind their teeth in their sleep typically wake up with a very tight jaw or jaw pain in the mornings. Most patients can ease their symptoms by going to bed with a mouth guard.
• Arthritis – Conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the joints in the face. This can cause inflammation and pain in the TMJ.
• Jaw misalignment (Malocclusion) – Misalignment of the teeth or the jaw can cause interfere with the proper functioning of the temporomandibular joint. An improper bite can cause long-term facial misalignments which can lead to facial asymmetry and jaw pain.
• Stress – Stress is known to exacerbate the effects of TMJ disorder. Stress can cause a lot of muscle tension in the face and the neck, pulling the jaw out of alignment and causing stiffness. Stress can also contribute to bruxism as mentioned above.
• Bad posture – Bad neck and shoulder posture puts undue stress on the facial muscles and is known to make the symptoms of TMJ disorder worse.

Research shows that women are more likely to suffer from TMJ disorders compared to men, but the exact role of biological sex in the cause of TMJ disorders is still being studied.

How is TMJ disorder diagnosed?

Since the symptoms of TMJ disorder could point to a range of other conditions, diagnosis must be done by an expert. It is usually done by a dentist in consultation with an orthodontist as per their discretion. In case there is any suspected nerve pain, a neurologist may be consulted as well.

The diagnosis is usually done on the basis of a physical exam, a dental exam and a full-face X-ray. The doctor will check for the characteristic clicking or popping sound when you move your jaw, and test your bite. They will also assess how tense the facial muscles are. Dental X-rays are usually taken to rule out cavities or misalignment in the teeth, which could be causing the pain. The doctor may also request a CT or MRI scan, and in some cases, a TMJ arthroscopy.

What is the treatment for TMJ disorder?

The treating physician will recommend a course of treatment for the TMJ disorder, based on the underlying cause of the patient’s pain. Usually, non-invasive treatments are tried first. Many patients with TMJ disorder report significant pain reduction with these non-invasive treatments. Medications such as pain relievers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed as part of the treatment. The doctor may also prescribe low doses of tricyclic anti-depressants to provide relief from the bruxism and the stress the patient is experiencing. Muscle relaxants can also help relieve the muscle spasms in the jaw. The prescribed medication is often deployed hand-in-hand with other non-drug therapies such as mouth guards, physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the jaw muscles and hot and cold therapies. The patient may also be prescribed counselling to understand and help reduce repetitive behaviours which could lead to TMJ disorders, such as nail biting, clenching, leaning on the chin and sleeping face down on the pillow.

If the non-invasive methods are ineffective, the doctor may suggest other techniques such as:

• Injections – The patient may benefit from corticosteroids or botox injected directly into the jaw muscle, to relieve pain.
• Arthrocentesis – In this minimally-invasive procedure, needles are inserted directly into the temporomandibular joint, so fluid can be irrigated through it to remove any inflammatory by-products and undesirable debris that have built up here.
• TMJ Arthroscopy – This is a laparoscopic procedure, in which a thin tube with a light and camera are inserted into a small incision near the ears. The surgeon can reshape the jaw bones, remove scar tissue and reposition the discs of the TMJ through instruments inserted into this laparoscopic incision, as required.
• Open joint surgery – This option is only opted for if laparoscopic surgery is unfeasible for any particular reason.

Can TMJ disorder be prevented?

TMJ disorders affect everyone differently. For some it is a temporary pain that goes away after a while. For others it is a lifelong struggle. Since it is hard to say what the exact cause is, TMJ disorders cannot be prevented, but you can take some steps to reduce your risks:

• Reduce Stress and Anxiety – You could do this by practicing mindfulness and meditation. You could also attend psychiatric counselling.
• Practice good posture – This doesn’t only apply to sitting posture. It applies to sleeping and walking posture as well.
• Wear a mouth guard – If you suspect you are grinding your teeth at night, visit a dentist immediately and explain your condition. If they think it is necessary, they will recommend a custom mouth-guard. Make sure you use the mouth guard every night!
• Perform Facial Stretches – The muscles in the face need attention, just like all the other muscles in your body. Your doctor or physical therapist can show you what kind of stretches you need to be doing to relax and strengthen the muscles in your face. Massaging the face daily can also help relax the jaw and prevent spasms.

For comprehensive care of TMJ disorders, trust the expert team at Kauvery Hospital. With branches in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Trichy, we offer specialized treatments tailored to your needs. Contact us today to improve your jaw health and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)?
The TMJ connects your lower jaw to your skull and helps you speak and eat.

What is TMJ disorder?
TMJ disorder affects the jaw joint and nearby muscles, causing pain, clicking sounds, and difficulty moving your jaw.

What does TMJ disorder feel like?
It may feel like pain in the jaw, headaches, a clicking sound when opening or closing your mouth, and sometimes ear discomfort.

What causes TMJ disorder?
Common causes include jaw injury, teeth grinding, arthritis, jaw misalignment, stress, and poor posture.

How is TMJ disorder diagnosed?
A dentist or orthodontist diagnoses it using a physical exam, dental exam, and sometimes X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs.

What are the treatment options for TMJ disorder?
Treatments range from simple options like pain relievers, mouth guards, and physical therapy to more advanced methods like injections or surgery if needed.

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet & Vadapalani), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

Chennai Alwarpet – 044 4000 6000 •  Chennai Vadapalani – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801