{"id":2428,"date":"2022-12-19T13:07:07","date_gmt":"2022-12-19T19:07:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entillinois.fm1.dev\/?page_id=2428"},"modified":"2022-12-19T13:07:15","modified_gmt":"2022-12-19T19:07:15","slug":"tmj-pain","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/entillinois.com\/ent\/tmj-pain\/","title":{"rendered":"TMJ Pain"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Open your jaw all the way and shut it. This simple movement would not be possible without the Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ). It connects the temporal bone (the bone that forms the side of the skull) and the mandible (the lower jaw). Even though it is only a small disc of cartilage, it separates the bones so that the mandible may slide easily whenever you talk, swallow, chew, kiss, etc. Therefore, damage to this complex, triangular structure in front of your ear, can cause considerable discomfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where Is the Temporo-Mandibular Joint?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can locate this joint by putting your finger on the triangular structure in front of your ear. Then move your finger just slightly forward and press firmly while you open your jaw all the way and close it. You can also feel the joint motion in your ear canal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Does the TMJ Work?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you bite down hard, you put force on the object between your teeth and on the joint. In terms of physics, the jaw is the lever and the TMJ is the fulcrum. Actually, more force is applied (per square foot) to the joint surface than to whatever is between your teeth because the cartilage between the bones provides a smooth surface, over which the joint can freely slide with minimal friction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, the forces of chewing can be distributed over a wider surface in the joint space and minimize the risk of injury. In addition, several muscles contribute to opening and closing the jaw and aid in the function of the TMJ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Causes TMJ pain?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In most patients, pain associated with the TMJ is a result of displacement of the cartilage disc that causes pressure and stretching of the associated sensory nerves. The popping or clicking occurs when the disk snaps into place when the jaw moves. In addition, the chewing muscles may spasm, not function efficiently, and cause pain and tenderness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Causes Damage to the TMJ?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n