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Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorders (TMJDs) refers to a complex and poorly understood set of conditions that can cause pain in the area of the jaw joint and associated muscles and/or problems using the jaw. Both or just one of the TM joints may be affected. TMJDs can affect a person's ability to speak, eat, chew, swallow, make facial expressions, and even breathe.
People diagnosed with TMJDs may be experiencing other symptoms and medical conditions as part of broader multi-systems illnesses that go unrecognized. Patients with TMJDs are most often diagnosed and treated primarily by dentists or oral surgeons, while another medical professional may be treating them for other conditions, such as allergies, headaches, fibromyalgia, cardiac arrhythmias, sleep disorders, movement disorders, tinnitus and irritable bowel syndrome, each treating one of the constellation of conditions without considering the body as a collection of interrelated systems.
The TMJ Association (TMJA) was founded by TMJD patients for TMJD patients. We are dedicated to:
- Promoting Scientific Research
"Patients often face bewildering, expensive and unproven treatments that may not help them because the connection between the conditions is not realized," says Terrie Cowley, president and co-founder of The TMJ Association. "Making the connection between TMJ and these other illnesses could bring better understanding and, as a result, the hope for safer, more effective treatments."
- Educating and Raising Awareness of TMJDs
"I would like to extend a thank you to those who maintain this web site. It has been the single most helpful source of information I have found, and was the place where I finally found some explanation of the problems I have had for over 8 years." Linda, www.tmj.org visitor
- Providing Resources & Support to TMJD Patients and Their Loved Ones
"I have found the site I have been looking for during the last 10 years. Yes, it has been that long that I have suffered (not survived) from this horrible disorder. It has affected everything in my life from my relationshiops, to education, to employment...It just feels good knowing that I talked to someone whocan "feel my pain." David, www.tmj.org visitor