What is TMJ / TMD?

TMJ stands for TemporoMandibular Joint or jaw joint. The two TM joints attach the lower jaw to the skull and are located in front of each ear. They are the most complex and active joints in the human body. These joints move each time we chew, talk, yawn or swallow.

The TMJ’s are composed of a complex nerve and blood supply and supported by many ligaments, tendons and muscles as well as a cartilage disc, which acts like a cushion between the skull and the jawbone.

A malfunction of this complex system of muscles, bones and joints working together in harmony can cause a TMJ Disorder – also known as TMD (TemporoMandibular Disorder) or CMD (CranioMandibular Dysfunction). A TMD is simply a disruption in the action of the jaw, usually accompanied by pain. There are a number of conditions affecting the function of the jaw that can cause one of these disorders. Fortunately, because the jaw is made up of bone and other living tissue, it is alive, making it capable of repair and healing. Some causes of TMD include: trauma, whiplash, bad bite (malocclusion), poor posture, stress, teeth grinding, arthritis, or skeletal malformation. It is estimated that one in every four people suffer from TMD symptoms.

Do You Have A TMJ Problem? 


People with TMJ problems generally experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Chronic recurring headaches

• Clicking, popping or grating sounds in the jaw joints

• Earaches, congestion or ringing ears

• Limited jaw opening or locking

• Dizziness

• Pain when chewing

• Neck and/or throat pain

• Difficulty in closing the teeth together

• Tired, tight jaws

• Pain behind the eyes

• Scalp tenderness

• Swallowing difficulty

• Pain in the tongue, gums or cheek muscles

• Teeth grinding or clenching

TMD Diagnosis

Due to the variety of symptoms and health problems that can contribute to TMD, we pride ourselves in providing a thorough examination which includes taking a comprehensive patient history and performing a thorough clinical exam and diagnostic testing. We also rely on an extensive referral base to aid in diagnosing and treating patients, as TMD’s are often a multi-system disorder.

TMD Treatment

Our office provides conservative, non-surgical treatment for TMJ Disorders.

Often proper treatment can alleviate months or years of pain and suffering. Treatments vary considerably with each individual patient and may include fabrication and fitting of precise, custom-fit orthotic appliance (sometimes called “splints”) to realign and stabilize the jaw joint, restore comfort and improve jaw function. 

We provide various physical therapies and exercises, which are used to reduce pain and inflammation and also promote healing. Medication regimens, dietary recommendation and vitamin supplements are often explored to aid in healing. 

We also take an interdisciplinary approach to treatment as TMD patients often suffer from other related muscular skeletal problems including neck, back, hip, and even foot problems. In these cases, appropriate referrals may be made to other health care practitioners.