What is Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ syndrome)

Temporomandibular joint syndrome is a condition that causes pain in the temporomandibular joints. These joints are located near your ears and allow your jaw to open and close. For people with TMJ syndrome, chewing, biting, or other movements of the jaw can be difficult or painful.

TMJ syndrome is often mild and goes away within a few weeks. However, sometimes the condition becomes a long-term (chronic) problem.

What are the causes?

This condition may be caused by:

• Grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw. Some people do this when they are under stress.
• Arthritis.
• Injury to the jaw.
• Head or neck injury.
• Teeth or dentures that are not aligned well.

In some cases, the cause of TMJ syndrome may not be known.

What are the signs or symptoms?

The most common symptom of this condition is an aching pain on the side of the head in the area of the TMJ. Other symptoms may include:

• Pain when moving your jaw, such as when chewing or biting.
• Being unable to open your jaw all the way.
• Making a clicking sound when you open your mouth.
• Headache.
• Earache.
• Neck or shoulder pain.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

• Your symptoms and medical history.
• A physical exam. Your health care provider may check the range of motion of your jaw.
• Imaging tests, such as X-rays or an MRI.

You may also need to see your dentist, who will determine if your teeth and jaw are lined up correctly.

How is this treated?

TMJ syndrome often goes away on its own. If treatment is needed, the options may include:

• Eating soft foods and applying ice or heat.
• Medicines to relieve pain or inflammation.
• Medicines or massage to relax the muscles.
• A splint, bite plate, or mouthpiece to prevent teeth grinding or jaw clenching.
• Relaxation techniques or counseling to help reduce stress.
• A therapy for pain in which an electrical current is applied to the nerves through the skin (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation).
• Acupuncture. This is sometimes helpful to relieve pain.
• Jaw surgery. This is rarely needed.

Follow these instructions at home:

Eating and drinking

• Eat a soft diet if you are having trouble chewing.
• Avoid foods that require a lot of chewing. Do not chew gum.

General instructions

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• If directed, put ice on the painful area.
  • Put ice in a plastic bag.
  • Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
  • Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day.
• Apply a warm, wet cloth (warm compress) to the painful area as directed.
• Massage your jaw area and do any jaw stretching exercises as told by your health care provider.
• If you were given a splint, bite plate, or mouthpiece, wear it as told by your health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You are having trouble eating.
• You have new or worsening symptoms.

Get help right away if:

• Your jaw locks open or closed.

Summary

• Temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ syndrome) is a condition that causes pain in the temporomandibular joints. These joints are located near your ears and allow your jaw to open and close.
• TMJ syndrome is often mild and goes away within a few weeks. However, sometimes the condition becomes a long-term (chronic) problem.
• Symptoms include an aching pain on the side of the head in the area of the TMJ, pain when chewing or biting, and being unable to open your jaw all the way. You may also make a clicking sound when you open your mouth.
• TMJ syndrome often goes away on its own. If treatment is needed, it may include medicines to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, or relax the muscles. A splint, bite plate, or mouthpiece may also be used to prevent teeth grinding or jaw clenching.