Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
The temporomandibular joint TMJ connects your lower jaw to the skull on each side of your head, in front of your ears. You use this joint to open and close your mouth, to chew, speak, and swallow. People who have TMJ often have pain or other problems with this joint and the muscles that control movement of the jaw. These problems are sometimes called TMD (temporomandibular disorders).
Symptoms of TMJ include jaw pain that doesn’t go away, locking or buckling of the joint, clicking, popping, or grating sounds when you open or close your mouth, and a change in the way your upper and lower teeth fit together. Most TMDs aren’t serious and go away on their own. However, some can become more severe and cause long-lasting problems. TMDs may also be a sign of other health conditions, including ear infections, sinus or ear diseases, or neck or shoulder pain.
What is Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)
The etiology of TMDs is usually the result of either decreased adaptive capacity in the articulating structures or excessive or sustained physical stress to these structures. Decreased adaptive capability can lead to arthritic changes of the articular disc, bone, or surrounding soft tissues. These alterations can also lead to a fibrotic response with internal derangement of the TMJ. In addition, increased concentrations of MMPs, a class of enzymes that break down proteins, have been found in TMJ synovial fluid with internal derangement of the articular disc. These enzymes can damage and destroy the articular cartilage of the TMJ, leading to permanent loss of mobility and pain.…
