Ive been having pain my face and jaws and my dentist said I probably have “TMJ” problems. What does this mean?
The term “TMJ” is an abbreviation used to describe the joint at which the lower jaw connects to the skull, located just in front of each ear. If there is actual damage within the joint itself, the problem is called Temporo-Mandibular Joint Syndrome. Frequently, there is associated pain upon opening and closing when chewing, but this need not be present to fall into this category. Occasionally this is due to an old injury caused by a blow to the lower jaw, perhaps sustained in a sports or automobile accident, even years before pain becomes evident. However, the majority of patients that we see in our practice actually have no internal injury to the joint. Their pain often can be related to clenching. This constant clenching stresses the muscles to the point that they suffer a constant spasm which causes facial pain which can be ongoing and very annoying. This condition is then referred to as M.P.D. or Myo-facial Pain Dysfunction syndrome. This condition can become pervasive and until a
