Temporomandibular joint or TM joint Pain

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain is a common condition that affects the jaw joint and the muscles controlling jaw movement. Here are some key points about TMJ pain:

1. Overview:

   • The TMJ acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull.

   • You have one joint on each side of your jaw.

   • TMJ disorders (a type of temporomandibular disorder or TMD) can cause pain in your jaw joint and the muscles controlling jaw movement.

   • The exact cause of TMJ disorders is often difficult to determine and may involve factors like genetics, arthritis, or jaw injury.

   • Some people with jaw pain also tend to clench or grind their teeth (bruxism), although many people habitually clench or grind their teeth without developing TMJ disorders.

2. Signs and Symptoms:

   • Pain or tenderness of your jaw.

   • Pain in one or both of the temporomandibular joints.

   • Aching pain in and around your ear.

   • Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing.

   • Aching facial pain.

   • Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close your mouth.

   • TMJ disorders can also cause a clicking sound or grating sensation when you open your mouth or chew.

3. When to Seek Medical Attention:

   • Seek medical attention if you have persistent pain or tenderness in your jaw or if you can’t open or close your jaw completely.

   • Your doctor, dentist, or a TMJ specialist can discuss possible causes and treatments for your problem.

Remember that most cases of TMJ pain are temporary and can be relieved with self-managed care or nonsurgical treatments. Surgery is typically a last resort after conservative measures have failed, but some people with TMJ disorders may benefit from surgical treatments.

You can always contact Dr Chinmoy Roy at Rajarhat Pain Clinic Kolkata