Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain refers to pain located on either side of the face near the jaw and in front of the ear. The TMJ allows for the opening and closing of the jaw and is vital for eating and speaking. The joints can become painful when the jaw is out of alignment or if there is stress on the facial muscles or the neck from poor posture, causing tension on the TMJ. Often, there will be audible clicking or popping sounds heard when the jaw is opened as well.
The temporomandibular joint connects the lower jawbone to the skull. The joint cavity is divided into two spaces by a fibrous cartilage called the articular disk. The articular disk cushions the motion of the jaw joint, enabling the jaw to open and close smoothly without pain. Poor posture and teeth that are not in alignment may cause the facial muscles that are connected to the joint to ache and impede the proper motion of the temporomandibular joint.
Chronic temporomandibular joint pain can be caused by nighttime grinding of the teeth and by daytime clenching of the jaw muscles. People who are under a lot of stress may have a higher incidence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD). The pain from TMD can become a trigger source, causing headaches, earaches, or what feels like a toothache.
Those who are suffering from temporomandibular joint pain usually experience difficulty chewing and swallowing food. If the joint becomes very inflamed and painful, the person may not be able to open his jaw enough to eat normally. TMD can even interfere with the yawn mechanism. A deep aching of the facial muscles is another symptom of TMD. Some people with the disorder experience a locking of the jaw when the mouth is opened.
Treatment for the temporomandibular joint pain is usually focused on pain relief, and narcotic pain relievers may be prescribed. A physician may recommend an orthodontic appliance if it is determined that the source of the pain is from improperly aligned teeth. In cases of extreme deterioration of the joint, surgery may be performed to replace the temporomandibular joint.
Some have found a connection between obsessive-compulsive disorder and temporomandibular joint pain. It is thought that stress and anxiety may make the pain worse. If a physician believes that poorly managed stress is the cause of the extreme pain of TMD, cognitive behavioral therapy may be recommended to help the person recognize when stress is affecting his physical bearing and to learn relaxation techniques.