Temporomandibular disorders (TMD), often mistakenly referred to as simply “TMJ” after the temporomandibular joint, encompass a range of conditions causing pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. The temporomandibular joint, located in front of each ear, connects the jaw to the skull and is integral to activities such as chewing, swallowing, and speaking.
Common symptoms of TMD include jaw and facial pain, neck tension and pain, difficulties in activities requiring prolonged sitting like working at a computer or reading, chewing, swallowing, opening the mouth, or yawning. Additionally, sufferers may experience jaw cracking and popping, mid-back stiffness, tension, and pain. The causes of TMD can be multifactorial, including excessive strain on the jaw joints and muscle group controlling chewing, swallowing, and speech. This strain can result from teeth grinding, jaw injury, head or neck injury, arthritis, or other factors like stress, trauma, and habits like clenching or grinding the teeth.
For detailed information on TMD, visit the University Health Center’s TMJ disorder page at University Health Center, the Health Encyclopedia of the University of Rochester Medical Center at University of Rochester Medical Center, UConn Today’s article on TMD at UConn Today, the College of Dental Medicine’s insights on TMJ syndrome at College of Dental Medicine, and McGovern Medical School’s overview of TMJ pain at McGovern Medical School. Further information can be found at the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s page on TMJ Disorder at University of Mississippi Medical Center, Go Ask Alice’s advice on TMJ relief at Go Ask Alice, the College of Dentistry’s understanding of TMJ Disorders/TMD at College of Dentistry, and UR Medicine’s conditions and treatments for TMJ disorders at UR Medicine. For insights into temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and associated treatments, visit Northwell Health’s page at Northwell Health.
