According to the Mayo Clinic, between 5 percent and 15 percent of Americans suffer from temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, disorders. The TMJ is the joint that connects the main part of the skull to the jawbone, and is active when we speak and chew. Because the symptoms of TMJ disorders can often mimic those of other pain disorders, diagnosing the disorder can take time. But most cases of TMJ disorder have a few things in common.
Jaw Pain
One of the most common symptoms of TMJ disorders, according to the TMJ Association, is jaw pain. This pain is usually located around the actual joint but may also be referred to the area around the ear or even throughout the jaw. TMJ pain usually feels like a dull ache, but for some people the pain may be more severe. TMJ pain may also be accompanied by jaw stiffness.
Facial Pain and Headaches
It is not uncommon for someone with a TMJ disorder to experience facial pain along with jaw pain. People with TMJ disorder are often prone to headaches. In fact, chronic headaches, earaches and migraines are frequently associated with TMJ disorders. TMJ disorder can cause aching pain all over the face, which may sometimes spread into the neck and shoulders.
Clicking Jaw
TMJ disorder can lead to problems with jaw function, especially during chewing. A person with TMJ disorder may experience clicking or popping sensations when she opens and closes her mouth. The joint may also feel as though it's grinding when chewing. Someone with TMJ may have trouble opening her mouth completely, or may find that her jaw locks in one position from time to time.
Altered Bite
A person with TMJ disorder may have an altered bite, meaning his upper and lower teeth may not come together properly. TMJ disorders can cause the jaw to slip out of alignment. According to the Mayo Clinic, this may also cause some teeth to contact before others, making biting and chewing awkward or painful.
Physical Jaw Exam
When diagnosing a TMJ disorder, a doctor or dentist performs a physical exam that includes manipulating the jaw. He may move the jaw side to side or up and down, checking for function as well as any tender points. Physical manipulation can also reveal any bone or joint abnormalities, or any jaw movements that cause more pain than others. A physical exam may be combined with diagnostic imaging.
Diagnostic Imaging
When TMJ disorder is being diagnosed, a doctor may order a series of scans to look inside the joint. These include X-rays, MRIs or CT scans. These tests can reveal problems in the joints, such as bone abnormalities or connective tissue damage.
Ruling Out Other Disorders
TMJ disorder symptoms can mimic those of other conditions. In addition to performing a physical exam and scans, a doctor assessing a person for TMJ disorder may also run tests to rule out similar conditions. According to the National Institutes of Health, these routinely include ear infections, facial nerve problems or neuralgias, and chronic headaches.
