What Causes Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders?
Asymmetry of the muscles of mastication (chewing), forward head posture, tightness of the back of the neck, and multiple Myofascial Trigger Points can cause TMJ problems. Injury to the jaw, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), or muscles of the head and neck—such as from a heavy blow or whiplash—can cause temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). Also, grinding or clenching the teeth puts a lot of pressure on the TMJ. Additionally, the jaw is a ball-and-socket joint, and dislocation of the soft cushion or disk between the ball and socket can result in TMD. Those experiencing the wear and tear of osteoarthritis or the inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis in the TMJ can develop temporomandibular joint disorders. Finally, TMD can result from stress, which can cause a person to tighten facial and jaw muscles or clench the teeth.
