tmj or temporomandibular joint disorder

Did you know that one person in every ten suffers from some form of chronic headache and ends up spending more money than they can afford on over the counter medications to stop the pain.

It is possible that the cause of the headaches is TMJ or to give it the full title, Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. The true cause of TMJ is unknown but some factors relate to

• Arthritis and other joint ailments,
• Improper bite when the jaw and skull are out of alignment,
• Injury,
• Bruxism and teeth grinding
• Stress and tension on the jaw muscles

Symptoms can include:

• Earache and ringing in the ear
• Stiffness in the jaw
• Clicking of the jaw bone when it moves
• Pain in the jaw
• Pain and stiffness in the neck shoulders and back
• Chronic headaches

Most of us would not consider some symptoms such as stiffness in the neck shoulders and back to be related to jaw problems but is now recognized as a possible source.

Treatment is necessary for TMJ sufferers and covered by most dental insurance plans. If you are experiencing any symptoms of TMJ, make an appointment to visit your dentist and get rid of the headaches once and for all.