Causes of TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)

Probably the most frequently misdiagnosed medical condition is TMJ disorder or Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. This problem can cause severe unwanted effects, such as jaw pain, headaches, back or shoulder pain, difficulty eating, talking or yawning, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), ear pain, and more. Lately more information has been researched more extensively about the disorder which is leading to more effective treatment protocols.

Why the Disorder Happens

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can occur for various reasons. Although the joint is located in your face and controls the movement of your mouth, it does not function any differently compared to the other joints within your body. There are linked ligaments and a disk in position that prevents pain from the friction when the small bones rub against one another. There are muscles attached to the joints and a major nerve called the trigeminal which leads into the area. Problems associated with any of these elements can cause TMJ headaches or even TMJ numbness in the arms and hands.

For example, the disk may erode with time due to excessive friction or it can be bumped out of alignment by an injury or repeated motions. In other situations, the cartilage linked to the joint becomes impaired. Your personal habits may also be overworking the muscles that control the joint which can lead to inflammation, pain, and people TMJ side effects.

What Causes These Problems?

Even though research continues to be done on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, doctors can point to a couple medical or physical problems that can lead to these types of problems. As mentioned above, several stress-related habits can also contribute to your problems.

Through research we found that people who are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia are at a much greater risk of developing temporomandibular joint disorder than those who do not share this diagnosis. This relationship is logical because all of these disorders affect the joints of the body. Sadly, the jaw joint is not exempt. Some people are born with jaw structure issues or develop these complications as a result of an accident or trauma, like a dislocated jaw.

Did you know if you are clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth when you tend to be tense or during sleep, you might be increasing you chance for developing temporomandibular joint disorder, as well?

Who is Most at Risk?

Most people who get temporomandibular joint disorder are women between the ages of 30 and 50. Existing studies suggest 5 to 15% of the population is presently experiencing symptoms of the condition. Most people don’t even realize they have the problem until it becomes painful and starts to greatly interfere in their daily lives. For example, they will often get a mild pain in their jaw that ends up getting so painful they can’t eat without experiencing excruciating pain or perhaps they have an ear ache they initially control with aspirin, then it becomes an unrelenting ringing of the ears that nearly drives them crazy.

How to Fight Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

There is only one solution - make an appointment with a TMJ dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment of the TMJ disorder is critical. These symptoms cannot be fixed by self-help or "do-it-yourself" methods. You need the guidance of a professional if you want to end your suffering