Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome, also known as TMJ Syndrome or simply TMJ, is a medical condition that involves pain and dysfunction in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs). The temporomandibular joints are the joints that connect the jawbone to the skull on each side of the face, allowing for movement during activities such as talking, chewing, and yawning.
TMJ Syndrome is characterized by a range of symptoms including jaw pain, facial pain, headaches, jaw muscle stiffness, difficulty in opening or closing the mouth, clicking or popping sounds in the jaw joint, and a misaligned bite. The exact cause of TMJ Syndrome is often not clear, but it can be the result of various factors such as stress, teeth grinding or clenching, joint arthritis, a misaligned bite, or traumatic injury to the jaw.
Diagnosis of TMJ Syndrome is usually made by a healthcare professional, such as a dentist or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, through a thorough examination of the jaw and associated symptoms. Treatment for TMJ Syndrome may involve a combination of self-care techniques, such as practicing relaxation techniques, applying heat or cold packs, and avoiding hard or chewy foods, as well as medical interventions such as medications, dental splints or mouthguards, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery.
Overall, Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome refers to a collection of symptoms and dysfunction affecting the jaw joints that require appropriate medical intervention and management to alleviate pain and restore normal jaw function.
