Temporomandibular joint disorders
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
Temporomandibular joint disorders (pronunciation: tem-puh-roe-man-DIB-u-lur) are a group of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the Jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement.
Etymology
The term "Temporomandibular" is derived from the two bones that form the joint: the upper temporal bone which is part of the Skull, and the lower jaw bone or mandible.
Types of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
There are three main types of Temporomandibular joint disorders:
1. Myofascial pain syndrome: This is the most common form of Temporomandibular joint disorders. It involves discomfort or pain in the muscles that control jaw function.
2. Internal derangement of the joint: This refers to a possible dislocated jaw, displaced disc, or injury to the condyle.
3. Arthritis: This refers to a group of degenerative/inflammatory joint disorders that can affect the temporomandibular joint.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Temporomandibular joint disorders may include:
- Pain in the jaw, face, and neck
- Limited ability to open the mouth wide
- Jaws that get "stuck" or "lock" in the open- or closed-mouth position
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth
- Difficulty chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite
Treatment
Treatment for Temporomandibular joint disorders may include:
- Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs
- Tricyclic antidepressants used for pain relief
- Muscle relaxants
- Physical therapy with exercises to stretch and strengthen jaw muscles
- Counseling to understand the factors and behaviors that may aggravate pain
- Surgical procedures if conservative treatments fail
See Also
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