The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects your mandible (lower jaw) to your skull. The joint can be found on both sides of your head in front of your ears. It allows your jaw to open and close, letting you to speak and eat.

The abbreviation “TMJ” has also been used to refer to a group of health conditions related to your jaw. However, this is becoming more commonly abbreviatedTrusted Source as “TMD” or “TMJD” to distinguish the temporomandibular joint itself from TMJ disorders.

These disorders can cause:

• tenderness at the joint
• facial pain
• difficulty moving the joint

Symptoms of TMJ disorders

The symptoms of TMJ disorders depend on the severity and cause of your condition. The most common symptom of TMJ disorders is pain in the jaw and surrounding muscles.

• pain that can be felt in the face or neck
• stiffness in the muscles of the jaw
• limited movement of the jaw
• locking of the jaw
• clicking or popping sound from the TMJ site
• dental issues, such as the wearing down of teeth
• tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
• vertigo
• headaches

How are TMJ disorders treated?

Home treatments

In a lot of cases, the symptoms of TMJ disorders can be treated with self-care practices at home. To ease the symptoms of TMJ at home, you can:

• Eat soft foods.
• Use ice to reduce swelling.
• Reduce jaw movements.
• Avoid chewing gum and tough foods (like beef jerky).
• Take measures to reduce stress.
• Use jaw-stretching exercises to help improve jaw movement.

Medication

If you find that your TMJ is not eased by using home treatments, some medications — both over-the-counter and prescribed by a doctor — may provide more relief.

Some of these medications include:

• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• corticosteroids
• muscle relaxers
• antidepressants
• local anesthetics

 

Therapies

Occasionally, your doctor may recommend physical therapy. Depending on the area that needs attention, your therapy could include:

• heat therapy
• cooling therapy
• acupuncture
• tissue mobilization
• resistance exercises
• stretches

Surgery or other procedures

If your symptoms don’t improve with the methods listed above, your doctor may decide that your condition requires serious treatment.

In very rare cases, your doctor may recommend surgery to treat your condition. Procedures can include:

• corrective dental treatment to improve your bite and align your teeth
• arthrocentesis, which removes fluid and debris from the joint
• surgery to replace the joint

How are TMJ disorders diagnosed?

TMJ disorders can be difficult to diagnose. There are no standard tests to diagnose most of the disorders that fall under that title. A doctor may refer you to a dentist, or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist to diagnose your condition.

• X-rays. X-rays of the jaw and teeth usually involve you biting down on a small mouthpiece as your dentist moves an imaging machine around your head. These X-rays will allow your dentist to see the bones in and around your jaw, as well as your teeth placement.
• CT scan. A CT scan of the jaw allows your doctor to see the bones and joint tissues in a more advanced way than a regular X-ray.
• MRI. An MRI of the jaw will reveal if there are problems with the structure of the jaw. An MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging scan, uses a magnetic field to show detailed images of organs and tissues.