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TMJ Problems
 
The TMJs are the small joints in front of each ear that attach the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull.

Incidence; Causes & Development
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research of the National Institutes of Health estimates that 10.8 million people in the United States suffer from TMJ problems at any given time. Conditions that occur in other joints in the body, such as arthritis, can also precipitate or aggravate TMJ pain and dysfunction. The most common symptoms experienced by people with TMJ diseases include:
  • facial pain
  • pain in the jaw joint and surrounding tissues, including the ear
  • jaw locking while open or closed
  • limited opening or inability to open the mouth comfortably
  • headaches
  • bite that feels uncomfortable, "off", or as if it is continually changing
  • neck, shoulder and back pain
  • swelling on the side of the face
Pain lasting for a week or less may not require medical/dental attention. Popping and clicking sounds in the joint have been considered symptoms of a TMJ problem; however experts observe that many perfectly healthy joints make noise. Jaw noises unaccompanied by pain or decreased mobility do not mean you have a TMJ problem.

Those with the symptoms listed above often report additional ones as well, such as ringing in the ears, ear pain, diminished hearing, dizziness or vertigo, and visual disturbances. These symptoms may be a facet of TMJ disease or a different disease process occurring simultaneously. People with TMJ implants are a subgroup of patients whose jaw problems led to surgery to replace all or part of the jaw joint.

Diagnosis & Tests
At this time, no formally established diagnostic criteria exist for TMJ diseases. Non-surgical treatment is appropriate in cases where the symptoms are related to mild joint damage, muscle hyperactivity and/or dental-skeletal malalignments. None of the surgical treatments for severe cases have been proven effective in long-term controlled clinical trials.
 
TMJ Problems is linked to:
 
Tinnitus