Temporomandibular joint disorder
Temporomandibular joint disorder refers to pain or discomfort affecting the joint that connects the jaw to the skull, as well as the muscles that support jaw movement.
This condition is generally divided into three key categories:
- Pain and dysfunction affecting the muscles
- Disruption within the jaw joint
- Degenerative changes within the joint
Jaw pain may present as a persistent dull ache that spreads into the face or neck and can be associated with clicking, popping or locking sensations. A reduced range of motion may also occur, limiting mouth opening.
Pain in this area may occur for a variety of reasons, with joint-related issues sometimes leading to clicking or locking sensations alongside discomfort.
Jaw hypermobility can be linked to discomfort in some cases, while trauma, teeth grinding and ongoing stress are frequently noted contributors to TMJ disorder.