TMJ Disorder 101

jawpainblondeIf you suffer from chronic discomfort in or around your jaw area, it’s time you learn a few important details about your jaw joints. You see, patients suffering from TMJ disorder (TMD) often deal with a variety of uncomfortable symptoms without even realizing the underlying cause is a jaw joint concern. Rather than reaching for over-the-counter pain medicine or assuming you must be doing something wrong, let the symptoms speak for themselves. If you connect with the description and side effects, we invite you to schedule an appointment right away, so we can immediately join you on a journey back toward comfort.

Your TMJs

What does TMJ stand for, you may wonder? It is simply an abbreviation for temporomandibular joint – or your jaw joint. You have two TMJs, each of which is located on either side of your head. Your jaw joints allow your lower jaw to move, which permits you to open and close your mouth. Without this motion, you would not be able to express yourself verbally or chew your food.

About TMJ Disorder

Sometimes, something goes wrong with your TMJs, which we refer to as TMJ disorder (TMD). Patients are often curious about what causes TMJ disorder. The answer is complicated. We cannot point to a single underlying cause. We can, however, point to a variety of factors that lead to TMD. These may include stress, anxiety, bruxism, damage to your jaw joints, misalignment, and typically anything that places additional tension on your TMJs.

Why You Should Seek Treatment

You should visit us for TMJ disorder treatment because the problem will not heal. Instead, it will continue to worsen until you allow us to alleviate the discomfort and protect your structures from long-term damage. The sooner you receive treatment, the better.