TMJ Symptoms: A First Step to TMJ Diagnosis

Are you suffering from chronic jaw pain, clicking or discomfort? These may be symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).

TMJ disorder is a chronic condition affecting the temporomandibular joint, jaw muscles and nerves. The chronic nature of the condition and symptoms most often yields diagnosis of TMJ disorder because sufferers are forced into seeking medical assistance. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, TMJ treatment options may be discussed.

The temporomandibular joint – cited by the ADA as one of the most complex joints in the body – is integral in jaw movement and functionality. There are a variety of muscles, ligaments and bones at play in temporomandibular joint functionality. Essentially a disc fitted between a ball and a socket, the temporomandibular joint cushions against the force associated with jaw use. When this functionality is disturbed, TMJ disorder is a likely outcome.

Common Symptoms of TMJ

The most common TMJ symptom eliciting medical assistance is jaw pain. This jaw pain is often more pronounced early and late in the day. Although other symptoms may occur prior to the onset of pain, they are typically less intense and/or noticeable than the TMJ pain – often described as a chronic dull aching of the temporomandibular joint. Although TMJ pain affects the joint itself, it may radiate to other areas such as the ears, neck and shoulders.

Although pain is the most common TMJ symptom, it is not always experienced. Some of the other common TMJ symptoms include:

• Jaw popping or clicking (when opening/closing your mouth)
• Facial swelling
• Bite changes/irregularities (malocclusion)
• Tooth sensitivity
• Headaches (tension headaches or early morning headaches)
• Earache

If you experience one or more the aforementioned symptoms over an extended period of time, you should seek medical assistance to determine whether you may be suffering from TMJ disorder.

TMJ Symptoms and Subsequent Diagnosis: Who Diagnosis TMJ Disorder?

Currently, there is no standard test used to confirm a diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disorder. Instead, TMJ symptoms are used as an indicator, and a TMJ diagnosis is narrowed based on the exclusion of other potential conditions. Although many medical professionals may be involved in the process of diagnosing and treating TMJ disorder, most cases are diagnosed by a dentist (according to the TMJ Association, Ltd.). Dentists also are able to spearhead treatment of the condition, though TMJ patients may incorporate other specialists in their care, such as ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctors, neurologists, pain specialists, and even chiropractors.

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