Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (pronunciation: tem-puh-roe-man-DIB-u-lur joint dis-OR-der), often abbreviated as TMJ, is a condition that affects the Temporomandibular joints, which connect the jawbone to the skull.
Etymology
The term "Temporomandibular" is derived from "temporal," referring to the temporal bone of the skull, and "mandibular," referring to the mandible or lower jawbone. "Joint" refers to the point where these two bones meet, and "disorder" indicates a disruption in the normal functioning of this joint.
Symptoms
Symptoms of TMJ disorders may include pain in the jaw, face, and ear, difficulty chewing, and a clicking or popping sound when opening or closing the mouth.
Causes
The exact cause of a person's TMJ disorder is often difficult to determine. Your pain may be due to a combination of factors, such as genetics, arthritis or jaw injury. Some people who have jaw pain also tend to clench or grind their teeth, although many people habitually clench or grind their teeth and never develop TMJ disorders.
Treatment
Treatment for TMJ disorders may include home remedies, medications, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery.
Related Terms
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