Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) are a common subgroup of pain disorder known in the public as 'TMJ'. TMJ is the commonly used abbreviation for the temporomandibular joint, or jaw joint.

There are a few types of pain that are classified under TMD, including:

• Muscle-generated pain
• Joint-generated pain
• Neurological pain
• Stress-related pain

What are some of the symptoms of TMJ?
Signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders may include:

• Pain or tenderness of your jaw
• Aching pain in and around your ear
• Difficulty chewing or discomfort while chewing
• Aching facial pain
• Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close your mouth
• Headache
• Uncomfortable bite
• An uneven bite, because one or more teeth are making premature contact, or your jaw has shifted position

TMJ disorders can also cause a clicking sound or grating sensation when you open your mouth or chew. But if there is no pain or limitation of movement associated with your jaw clicking, you don't necessarily have a TMJ disorder.