What to Do About TMJ

The temperomandibular joint (TMJ) joins the lower jawbone to the temporal bone of the skull. Muscles that allow the opening and closing of the mouth help this joint to function appropriately. TMJ disorders are experienced by between 5 and 15 percent of people in the United States. Women are more likely to be affected than men. The condition may cause pain or tenderness of the jaw, pain near the ear, discomfort while chewing, and headaches. The joint may also lock, causing difficulty in opening or closing the mouth. TMJ disorders may be caused by a variety of habits in response to stress, such as jaw clenching, teeth grinding, and slouching or pushing the head forward while working at a computer. Severe trauma of the jaw, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis have also been linked to TMJ. 

Breaking habits related to stress that exacerbate TMJ and avoiding overusing the jaw muscles may help to alleviate associated symptoms. Applying warm, moist heat or ice to the side of the face often helps the muscles to relax, may also alleviate pain. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, may be recommended to decrease inflammation and pain. For more severe pain, steroids may be injected into the joint space. Surgical procedures are available if other treatments do not provide relief.