The temporomandibular joint is the joint located in front of the ears on both sides of the head. It connects the jaw to the skull. Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders, called TJMDs or TMJ, occur more frequently in women than in men. Problems occur because of disc erosion or misalignment, damage from arthritis, injury or from muscle fatigue. According to the TMJ Association, 35 million Americans suffer from TMJ. It is important that anyone experiencing these symptoms receive an evaluation by their doctor.
Pain
Pain and tenderness in the joint area near the ear is the most common complaint. This can become exacerbated with movement of the joint, says MedlinePlus. The joint moves when individuals yawn, chew, talk or open their mouths. Facial pain remains another common complaint. This pain can become disruptive and cause problems during the day for anyone experiencing it.
Locking of the joint
This occurs when the joint does not move properly and the individual finds it difficult to perform regular activities such as yawning or talking. The person may attempt to move their jaw and realize they have become unable to, says MayoClinic.com the website for the Mayo Clinic. They may need to manually move their jaw to complete the movement. Those suffering with this symptom should get immediate medical attention.
Headache and Ear Pain
Some people have vague complaints related to a problem with the joint, which can result from something else. These symptoms include a headache and ear pain. Individuals may have ringing or a feeling of fullness in the ears. Some report migraines and chronic headache symptoms, says MayoClinic.com.
Other symptoms
Sufferers may have an uneven bite or discomfort when biting down. Some report noises associated when they move their jaw. They may also have accompanying symptoms of pain or stiffness, as well as vision or hearing disturbances. With any of these symptoms, it becomes important for sufferers to receive an evaluation from a physician to determine the cause of the problem. Treatments for TMJ problems can range from conservative medical and dental procedures to surgery according to the American Association of Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons. Self-care practices like chewing only soft foods, not grinding teeth and applying moist heat can also help with some symptoms.
