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Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome

Definition:
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome is a condition of facial pain in the joints of the lower jaw. The abbreviation "TMJ" literally refers to the joint itself, although it is often used to refer to the disorder (TMD).

Alternative Names:
TMJ or TMD

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull. Problems arising in this area may cause various symptoms such as popping sounds in the jaw, headaches, earaches, and facial pain.

The causes can include:

  • Arthritis
  • Fractures
  • Dislocations
  • Tension-relieving habits, such as jaw clenching or tooth grinding (bruxism), especially at night while sleeping (these may cause muscle spasms in the jaw and dental misalignment)
  • Structural problems present since birth

Nevertheless, a physical examination may be normal.



Review Date: 5/21/2003
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. editorial. Previous reviews by Jason Newman, M.D., Department of Otolaryngology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Washington, DC and Ashutosh Kacker, M.D., Department of Otolaryngology, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY. Reviews provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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