TMJ disorders, also known as temporomandibular disorders or “TMD”, are common causes of headache, facial pain, ear pain, and ringing ears (tinnitus). The TMJ is the jaw joint, located on each side of the face just in from the ear. You can feel the condyle, which is the bony knob in this joint, move by putting your fingers in front of your ears and opening and closing your mouth. In health, movement of these two joints is smooth, coordinated, and quiet.

Function of the TMJ can be disrupted if the disc with the joint is damaged or displaced. This can easily happen during a fall or with a blow to the face or jaw. TMJ discs often are displaced when the head is thrown forward and back or sideways, which frequently happens in automobile accidents that involve neck injuries. Violent head movements can tear the small ligaments that hold the disc in place, even without a direct blow to the face or jaw. If not treated, continued use of the jaw causes the discs to distort and to displace still further. This is why TMJ problems often are most apparent weeks or months after the initial injury. Different types of TMJ disorders can result from chronic problems such as clenching or grinding the teeth or constant gum-chewing. Some disorders are primarily muscular and do not involve the joints themselves.

As TMJ disorders become worse, jaw noises such as clicking, popping, rubbing, or grinding can happen. Jaw movement frequently becomes limited and irregular. Headaches and facial pain commonly result. Muscle spasm often is involved. Many people have headaches for years without realizing that a TMJ disorder may be the cause. Such jaw disorders can trigger other pain problems such as migraine headaches, ear pain that may feel like an ear infection, ear congestion, ringing or buzzing in the ears, and diminished hearing.

Most TMJ disorders can be treated without surgery. Often an orthosis, commonly called a a “splint,” is made to cover the lower teeth and provide a new, temporary bite position that helps the jaw joints and associated muscles to recover. Physical therapy involving specific procedures directly over the chewing muscles and joints, inside and outside the mouth, can help restore jaw function. Treatment of associated neck and back problems frequently is needed. Home care, often with heat, ice, home exercises, and dietary restrictions is essential in most cases.