What causes Temporomandibular Disorders?
Temporomandibular disorders, or TMD, can be a complicated and complex problem. The TMJ is located in front of each ear and is responsible, with the associated ligaments, tendons, disks, and muscles, for all jaw movements. Problems with the joint are referred to as TMD. TMJ symptoms are manifested in a variety of ways including headaches, earaches, ringing in the ears, problems with jaw opening or closing, tenderness of the jaw muscles, popping or clicking noises when the jaw is opened or closed, neck pain, and upper back pain. When the jaw joint does not function properly, there can be pain and muscle spasms. However, it should be noted that muscle spasms and resulting pain may have nothing to do with the jaw joint. The TMJ is essential to all movements that involve the jaw. TMJ syptoms can cause paing that is slight, moderate, or severe. It can be sporadic or constant and even debilitating. It is common for a patient with TMJ symptoms to have difficulty chewing hard foods or opening t
