How to Treat Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Problems

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect the lower jaw bone, called the mandible, to the side and base of the skull. They allow the jaw to move up and down and from side to side, which is necessary for eating, talking, yawning, and more. The movement is controlled by the complex interaction of several muscles and the disk that cushions the joint. When the joint and muscles are well aligned, movement is smooth and pain-free. But when something goes wrong, it can cause a range of problems.

Understanding TMJ: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Symptoms of TMJ include jaw pain, headaches, and neck aches, clicking or popping noise when the mouth opens and closes, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth. During a physical exam, your healthcare provider will press on your face and jaw to find areas of discomfort and check how the TMJ moves. They may also use imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans to help identify a TMJ problem.

TMJ can be treated with noninvasive options like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen and naproxen) and muscle relaxers. Stress-reducing techniques and a soft foods diet can also reduce TMJ symptoms, which often result from clenching or grinding teeth or other parafunctional habits. If these conservative treatments don’t work, your doctor might recommend surgery to repair or replace the damaged TMJ.