| What does it mean
when someone says they have TMJ? The TMJ stands for TemporoMandibular Joint. Simply stated it is the jaw joint. It is made up of a number of tendons, ligaments and muscles that attach the lower jaw bone to the base of the skull. In the middle of this complex is a disc (an hour-glass shaped disc) that occupies the space directly between the lower jaw bone and the upper jaw (base of the skull). Much like other living tissues in the body, the disc has a nerve and blood supply. As you open and close your mouth, the disc allows for smooth sliding motion between the lower jaw bone and the upper jaw. In the absence of disease, the sliding motions is smooth, free of any sounds, clicking or popping and without pain. However, this delicate joint can be easily thrown out of sync due to any number of reasons. |
When the jaw joint
is diseased, people refer to the condition as "having
TMJ." It would be more appropriate to call it TMD (disease of
the TMJ) since every body has TMJ (actually 2 of them, left and right jaw
joints). Most common signs of having TMD is clicking, popping and pain upon opening or closing. Other signs of having TMD can include ear aches, ear stuffiness, ringing in the ears, headaches, neck aches, sore facial muscles and facial pain. Treatment of the TMJ involves repositioning the lower jaw with respect to the upper jaw so that the disc, the muscles, ligaments and tendons all work in harmony. This goal is accomplished by the use of splints that are worn continuously helping to maintain the proper jaw position. This therapy phase takes anywhere from 3-6 months. More involved cases will require longer treatment time. To learn more about TMJ disorders, visit us at www.tmj-therapy.com. |
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