TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, is often referred to as a single condition, but can have many possible

causes. Scientifically speaking, TMJ is not the disease itself, but the name of the temporomandibular joint in the jaw. This joint connects the two jaw bones on either side and the surrounding tissue and ligaments. It allows for movement of the mouth and jaw all the way back to the skull. When a patient experiences pain or lack of mobility in this area, we refer to the condition as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or Dysfunction (TMJD).

Symptoms of TMJ disorders or dysfunction include pain during any activity that you use your jaw: talking, eating, swallowing or making facial expressions. If you have a TMJ disorder, you may not be able to open your jaw all the way. Or, you may hear a “pop” or “click” of your joints when you move your jaw.

We now know that what is referred to as TMJ is actually a group of conditions that cause pain in the joints in the jaw and the surrounding muscles or tissue. More and more health professionals consider TMJ a “family” of conditions. Just like diabetes or hypertension have different causes and affect different people in different ways, so does TMJ dysfunction.

Some, if not most, episodes of TMJ are temporary and go away on their own or with non-invasive treatments. For some patients, however, the symptoms of TMJ disorders can last for an extended time. In its extreme forms, TMJ can be quite disabling and interfere with the patient’s quality of life.

Most Common TMJ Disorders

Many people have TMJ dysfunction without any obvious cause. In other cases, other conditions are diagnosed. The most common conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the temporomandibular joints are:

• Disc displacement: this is believed to be the most common cause of TMJ dysfunction. This is when the articular disc, attached to the muscles in the jaw, becomes displaced. When out of place, the articular disc will move unnaturally with the muscles and jaw bones, causing pain.

• Injuries: Falls, car accidents, even some types of dental procedures can cause damage to the jaw bones, muscles, and joints.

• Degenerative joint disease, also called osteoarthritis, or the body’s wear and tear on the TMJ area. This is most common in middle-aged or elderly adults.

Prevalence of TMJ

Women represent the overwhelming majority of patients with TMJ. The ratio of women to men with TMJ is believed to be nine to one. Women are also the most likely gender to have the most painful, disabling forms of TMJ. TMJ is most likely to happen during childbearing years.

Changes in TMJ disorder treatment

In the past, patients with TMJ or problems with the jaw were treated by oral surgeons or dentists. A common treatment for TMJ used to be surgery on the jaw. Surgery is often unnecessary and can make any kind of chronic pain worse. Many doctors and chronic pain advocates have now taken the position that “less is best.” Non-surgical options and treatments work for the majority of patients with TMJ.

Through the 1980’s many professionals did not understand TMJ or provide any treatment that proved effective. In 1986, the TMJ Association was formed in Milwaukee. Now a national nonprofit, the TMJ Association advocates for research, patient and family support, and education. The TMJA works with many other national health organizations, including the National Institute of Health in order to further research and understanding of TMJ dysfunction.

TMJ is believed to be genetic; however, your genetic makeup does not guarantee you will have TMJ. Scientists now believe that environment and behavior interact with your genetic makeup. Health care providers of many different types and specialties now study TMJ from many different angles.

TMJ and chronic pain

TMJ is a chronic pain disorder. Most recently, researchers have found that many patients with TMJ also have one or more other chronic pain disorders or chronic illnesses, all most prevalent in women. Chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, arthritis, endometriosis, and irritable bowel syndrome can all co-occur with TMJ.

If at any time you have one of these conditions, you are more likely to develop a second later on. It is also possible to have a sudden onset of symptoms of two or more of these disorders at the same time.

At this time, it is unclear to scientists as to why all of these chronic pain disorders often co-exist. As we begin to understand chronic pain further, scientists believe that one day we can link all of these conditions together. Future treatments for TMJ disorders might benefit all forms of chronic pain at the same time.

Future research on TMJ disorders

In order to fully understand TMJ disorders, we have to see TMJ patients as “whole people.” Treatment needs to involve more than simply a dentist examining the jaw. Each patient with TMJ dysfunction represents a different combination of genetic makeup, hormonal balance, and behavioral or environmental elements that may contribute to TMJ.

A new theory is that any kind of chronic pain in the form of TMJ or other condition that shows no visible cause, may in fact originate in the brain and central nervous system. If we can understand what factors, both environmental and genetic contribute to TMJ, we may unlock the door to a better understanding of many other medical conditions as well.

Do you believe you have TMJ?  Or have you been diagnosed with TMJ and are looking for better treatment? In Columbus Ohio, Mark Levy, DDS is an experienced dentist and works with patients with TMJ. Call Mark Levy, DDS in Columbus, Ohio at (614) 777-7350.