Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Pain

The temporomandibular (TEM-puh-roe-MAN-dib-ul) joint, or jawbones’ hinge joint, is a crucial point of contact between your skull and the lower part of your mandible. It is responsible for opening and closing your mouth and chewing food. This joint can be stressed by injuries, arthritis, and clenching or grinding your teeth (bruxism), although many people with this habit don’t develop tmj pain. Other factors include posture, genes, and gender (women are more likely to have this problem).

The symptoms of tmj pain may be felt in your head or neck, in the cheeks, ear canal, chin, or temples. They can make it difficult to open your mouth and speak, eat, or swallow. You can test for tmj pain by pressing around the jaw joint to see if it is tender or painful when you move your mouth. It is also important to note if the pain is constant, comes and goes, or seems to be linked to certain actions or foods.

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TMJ treatment is usually conservative, such as a soft diet and rest. If the pain is severe, your doctor may use a diagnostic procedure called TMJ arthroscopy. During this procedure, your doctor inserts a thin tube with a camera (arthroscope) into the joint space to view the area and help confirm a diagnosis.

Medications might be used for pain relief and to reduce muscle spasms. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen and naproxen; tricyclic antidepressants in low doses (amitriptyline is sometimes used) for pain relief, control of bruxism, and sleepiness; and muscle relaxants. Physical therapy is often recommended, including exercises to stretch and strengthen jaw muscles, and techniques such as moist heat and gentle massage.