What is TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint connecting the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull (temporal bone). The lower jaw and the skull are connected by a number of muscles and ligaments, which function in harmony with each other if the lower jaw is in the correct position. The head of the jaw bone (lower jaw) is called the condyle and it fits into the concavity of the temporal bone called the glenoid fossa. The TM joint resembles a ball and socket with the round condyle being the ball and the glenoid fossa of the temporal bone being the socket. For normal joint function to occur, a piece of cartilage called an articular disc acts as a cushion or shock absorber between the two bones.

TMJ Disorder

It has been estimated that more than 50 million people in Canada and the U.S. suffer from severe headaches. These headaches can be so debilitating that they can adversely affect their ability to work and their relationships with family and friends.

Although there can be many reasons for headaches, many headache patients suffer from temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ disorders). The most common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, stiffness in the jaw joint, ear aches, ringing in the ears, teeth do not touch when biting, neck pain, pain behind the eyes, problems swallowing, fainting, shoulder or back pain, tingling or numbness in the fingers, clicking jaw, inability to open mouth wide, clenching/grinding teeth, worn teeth.

Learn more about TMJ disorder, TMJ symptoms and TMJ treatment:

• TMJ Symptoms
• TMJ Treatment