TMJ or TMJD are terms many people have heard of but don't really have an understanding of what they refer to or how TMJ or TMJD might affect them.

In the United States, over 35 million people suffer from pain and discomfort caused by TMJ or TMJD. TMJD is an acronym for temporomandibular joint disorder.

TMJD is not one disorder but a group of symptoms, that involve the jaw, or temporomandibular joint. Often an extremely painful condition, it is caused by displacement of the cartilage where the lower jaw connects to the skull. People suffering from TMJD may also experience ringing in the ears, dizziness, headaches or even back or shoulder pain.

TMJD is the second most commonly occurring musculoskeletal condition resulting in pain and disability (after chronic low back pain), affecting approximately 5 to 12% of the population, with an annual cost estimated at $4 billion.

Interestingly, only about half to two-thirds of those with TMJ disorders will seek treatment.

To gain an understanding of the problem and why it affects so many, let's review what it is. The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are among some of the most frequently used joints in the body, allowing us to talk, chew, yawn, swallow and sneeze. The temporomandibular joint connects the temporal bone of the skull to the lower jawbone (mandible) located on both sides of your face in front of your ears. To find your TMJ, place your fingers in front of each ear and open your mouth, you will feel an indentation beneath your finger.

When injury or stress affect the ligaments, muscles and tendons that support these joints it is called temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Some contributing factors to the development of TMJD are injuries to the neck and jaw area, some forms of arthritis, grinding of the teeth and dental procedures.

One or more of the following symptoms could indicate a TMJ condition:

• Popping or clicking sounds while chewing
• Pain or soreness in your jaw or ear
• Pain and stiffness when opening or closing your mouth
• Headaches
• Hissing or ringing sounds in your ear
• Vertigo (dizziness)

Jaw noises unaccompanied by pain or decreased mobility do not necessarily mean you have a TMJ problem. Keep in mind that occasional discomfort in the jaw joint or chewing muscles is common and not always a cause for concern.

Some people with certain TMJ symptoms get better without treatment. For most, the symptoms worsen over time and develop into long-term, persistent and often debilitating pain.

If your pain is severe and lasts more than a few weeks, it is time to seek professional help.

The path of recovery begins with making your first appointment for a physical therapy consultation at Avante Physical Therapy.

Physical therapy is the identification and treatment of faulty movements, impaired flexibility and weakened or tight muscles that cause discomfort or pain and affect your daily life in a negative way.

At Avante Physical Therapy, we have helped our patients to achieve excellent results in recovering from TMJD through physical therapy programs designed specifically to meet their own needs and help them return to their normal, pain free state.

Therapists at Avante Physical Therapy are skilled professionals who can work with you to develop a program that will help you to relieve your symptoms.