What is the temporomandibular joint and what is TMJ syndrome?
The temporomandibular joint is a small joint that connects the lower jawbone or “mandible” to the bone of the skull in front of the ear or “temporal bone”. A small disc made of cartilage is enclosed in the joint formed by these bones. Powered by the muscles used in chewing, this joint is required in chewing, swallowing, speaking, yawning and breathing, and is thus one of the most frequently used joints in the body. Patients experiencing abnormal symptoms in the TMJ can report pain involving the joint itself or the surrounding muscles and ligaments. Please call us if you think you may need treatement for TMJ in Montreal, Quebec. Other symptoms patients may experience include: • clicking • popping or grinding sounds in the jaw • pain in the TMJ joint or the ear that may worsen when chewing, yawning or opening the mouth. Some patients may experience: • difficulty opening the jaw widely • a sensation that their jaw is locking when opening or closing the mouth • headaches, neck, back or sho
