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Causes of TMJD - Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction - Dr. Jason Jones Elizabeth City NC, Chiropractor

Around 12% of people in the US experience TMJD – temporomandibular joint dysfunction at any one time. Statistics show that women are more affected than men. And 9 women to every 1 man experience restricted jaw movement in their lifetime.

Understand the causes of TMJD, however, is important to help you manage the condition. You need to know factors that predispose you to TMJD and the common symptoms to watch out for.

In this article, we shall be showing you the common causes of TMJD and other relevant details you should know. But first let's briefly revise the meaning of TMJ and TMJD.

What are TMJ and TMJD?

TMJ or temporomandibular joint is a hinge that connects your jawbone to your cheekbones. You have one TMJ on each side of your jaw and it allows for the movement required for talking and chewing.

Since these joints allow for movement of your jaw from side to side as well as up and down, they represent one of the most complex joints in the body.

TMJD or temporomandibular joint dysfunction are conditions that affect TMJ and cause pain in your jaw joint and muscles controlling jaw movement.

What are the causes of TMJD?

The exact cause of an individual's TMJD may be hard to determine. Doctors believe symptoms arise from problems with the jaw muscles or parts of the joint itself. However, some factors could trigger pains, including arthritis or jaw injury, or genetics.

Some other causes of TMJD include:

• Heavy trauma to your jaw from an accident
• Improper bite
• Displacement of the disc between the ball and socket
• Tightening your facial and jaw muscles due to stress
• Pressure on the TMJ from grinding or clenching your teeth
• Sinus problems, gum disease, and tooth decay

What are the common symptoms of TMJD?

If you have TMJD, you tend to experience both temporary or chronic pain and discomfort. However, diagnosis is important, since there are many signs and symptoms that may point to "temporomandibular joint."

Here are a few of the most common signs and symptoms of TMJD:

• Headaches
• Jaw dislocation
• Neck aches
• Earaches
• Stiff or locked jaw in the open and close mouth position
• Clicking, grating, or popping sound in the joint when you open your mouth or close it
• Dental occlusion (the way the upper and lower jaw or teeth fit together.
• Being unable to open your mouth very wide
• Tenderness or pain around the face, ear, neck, or shoulders when chewing, speaking, or opening your mouth.

Keep in mind that noises or clicking that occur when you move your jaw are not always associated with TMJD. It is only when the sounds are accompanied by pain or restricted movement of the jaw that it can be described as TMJD.

Most times, TMJD resolve on their own after a couple of months and symptoms are mild with minimal inconvenience. But in some severe cases, TMJD can be serious and long lasting.

You can consult Dr. Jason Jones at our chiropractic office at Elizabeth City, NC, to learn about other potential causes of TMJD and natural solutions you can embrace to enjoy relief.