If you are among the millions of people who have been diagnosed with TMJ syndrome, these may be among the symptoms. The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is a joint that attaches the lower jaw to your skull. The symptoms described may be a result of the TMJ not functioning properly, due to one or more of the following having been adversely affected: your chewing muscles, joints, ligaments or surrounding bones.

Stress is the most common factor behind TMD, and should be treated alongside the physical symptoms of the joint issues. Mental stress can manifest as physical symptoms, even if we are not conscious of it. Some people enduring a stressful event may notice short term TMJ disorder, while those with issues like anxiety or chronic stress may find that problems like bruxism are ongoing.A common consequence of stress are clenching and grinding, which can tire and strain the chewing muscles, causing them to go into spasm and cause pain. An improper bite can also result in TMJ dysfunction. Among the symptoms are: headaches (usually upon awakening), tenderness or fatigue of the jaw muscles, earaches, and pain or difficulty when chewing, yawning or opening wide. Clicking or popping sounds are very common signs, and in some extreme cases, the jaw can actually get stuck in the open or closed position.

It is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of one’s TMJ syndrome, although it is often related to stress. It also may be the result of a traumatic accident or a disease such as arthritis.

While there are more invasive methods available, Dr. Lazare typically suggests beginning TMD treatments conservatively with the use of a night guard. The guard can provide clues as to the patient’s nighttime jaw movements, and will alleviate pain associated with the hard pressure placed on the teeth by acting as a buffer. In many cases, the use of a night guard is sufficient in treating TMD. The added benefit is that a night guard made of a hard material will also keep the teeth in proper alignment, serving as a nighttime retainer.

Most cases of TMJ disorders can be treated conservatively and successfully. Only a small number of cases require surgical correction, usually with those individuals who have suffered a traumatic injury. The first step is to eliminate the pain and muscle spasms. In mild cases, this can be done with moist heat packs, a non-chewy diet, and muscle relaxants (if necessary). It is also important not to try to test the degree of pain by opening and closing, but rather try to rest the TMJ and give it time to heal. The next step would be to try and become aware of the potential sources of stress and tension that could lead to clenching and grinding. A conservative therapeutic device that may work well for you is a corrective bite plate (made by your dentist), that will help to relax the muscles, thus preventing headaches, pain and spasm.Selective filing of an uneven bite to correct the “high” spots is a final attempt to treat TMJ conservatively, because the removal of tooth structure is an irreversible process.