What is the temporomandibular joint?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a hinge type joint that connects your jaw to your skull and can be felt anterior to your ears on either side. This joint is cushioned by a disc that allows smooth side to side and opening/closing movements. The degeneration and/or displacement of this disc is the culprit for many temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). The muscles that surround the joint can also become tight and restrictive causing further issues.
What are the symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction?
Clicking and popping Locking Pain with excessive opening Pain with chewing Headaches Ear pain Neck stiffness
How to manage temporomandibular joint dysfunction?
Seeking out care from a musculoskeletal provider in your area, like the providers at Radius, that have experience with diagnosing and treating TMJ dysfunction is a great first step to recovery. Several publications suggest that TMD can most often be successfully managed through myofascial therapy and rehabilitative exercise. This would include soft tissue work to the internal and external muscles of the jaw, stretching and strengthening exercises, as well as retraining proper opening/closing and chewing. Dentists that specialize in TMJ dysfunction are also another fantastic resource for patients. They can assess any dental involvement and make personalized splints/mouthguards to help lessen the symptoms. A collaborative care approach between the two professions has shown the best patient outcomes!
About the author
Dr. Eric Dickerson, DC, FRCms
Founder, Sports Chiropractor
As the Founder and Director of Clinical Development at Radius Physical + Sports Rehab, Dr. Eric Dickerson is a dedicated musculoskeletal provider who blends clinical experience with a patient-centered approach. He integrates functional rehabilitation, evidence-based physical rehabilitation modalities, joint manipulation, and advanced manual therapy techniques to craft a comprehensive approach to your health.
More from Dr. Eric Dickerson →Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about TMJ dysfunction.
What is TMJ dysfunction (temporomandibular disorder)?
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) refers to a group of conditions involving the orofacial region, divided into those affecting the muscles that move the jaw (the masticatory muscles) and those affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) itself. TMD occurs when the natural function of the TMJ is altered or limited due to disturbance of the joint or of the ligaments or muscles around it, which can affect how easily you eat, talk, or open your mouth.
What are the symptoms of TMJ dysfunction?
The most common symptom is jaw pain, along with restricted jaw movement and difficulty opening the mouth fully. Many people also notice joint noises such as clicking, popping, or crepitus, and some experience locking, where the jaw gets stuck in a partly open position. Headaches, neck pain, and ear-related symptoms such as earache, tinnitus, or dizziness can accompany TMD as well.
What causes TMJ dysfunction, and can clenching or stress contribute?
TMD has multiple contributing factors rather than a single cause. Muscle-related (myofascial) TMD is linked to stress, parafunctional habits like bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching), abnormal posture, and psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety. Joint-related TMD can stem from trauma, capsular inflammation, osteoarthritis, hypermobility, and inflammatory disease. Clenching and grinding, poor head and neck posture, and muscle tightness from stress are commonly cited contributors.
Does TMJ dysfunction go away on its own?
For many people TMD improves. Up to 40% of patients report remission of symptoms without intervention, and most respond favorably to conservative treatment, which is generally the first line of care. With TMD-related jaw clicking or popping, most of the time it is a temporary issue that goes away with treatment. Left untreated, however, TMD can in some cases progressively damage the jaw joint, so persistent or worsening symptoms are worth evaluating.
How is TMJ dysfunction managed conservatively?
Most people respond to conservative, reversible care as the first line of treatment. Self-care commonly includes a soft diet, jaw rest, warm or cold compresses on the painful area, and avoiding sudden or forceful jaw movements such as wide yawning or excessive chewing. Physical therapy adds passive stretching and range-of-motion exercises, low-load strengthening, soft-tissue release, joint mobilization, posture work, and stress management. Behavioral changes like improving sleep and reducing stress may also help.
When should I see a clinician for jaw pain?
See a clinician if you have jaw pain or tenderness that does not go away, if you cannot close your jaw completely, or if your jaw pops when chewing; if the jaw pops out of place, seek care right away. Conservative treatment is the first line and helps most patients, but persistent or worsening pain, severe dysfunction, or an ineffective conservative approach warrants specialist referral. Jaw pain can also be a symptom of a heart attack, so seek emergency care if it occurs with chest pain, shortness of breath, or other cardiac symptoms.
The information on this website is general education about musculoskeletal and movement-related conditions. It is not medical advice or a diagnosis, and it cannot tell you what is causing your symptoms. Reading it is not a substitute for an in-person evaluation, and booking a visit does not confirm that your condition is right for our care until a provider has examined you. This information cannot identify every condition, and some urgent problems can feel like musculoskeletal pain. If your symptoms are severe or getting worse, or you are unsure how urgent they are, contact your physician, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room. When in doubt, seek emergency care.
