TMJ Diseases & Disorders - Basics - What are TMJ Diseases/Disorders
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What are TMJ Diseases/Disorders?
Temporomandibular joint diseases and disorders, commonly called "TMJ", refer 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 temporomandibular joints may be affected. TMJ diseases and disorders can affect a person’s ability to speak, eat, chew, swallow, and even breathe.
A study conducted by The Lewin Group prepared for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality concluded that many TMJ patients have other health problems. These may include Fibromyalgia, sleep disorders, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, chemical sensitivity, Mitral Valve Prolapse, and Hypermobile Joints. The relationship between these conditions and TMJ diseases and disorders needs further research. Moreover, certain medical conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Dystonia, Lyme Disease and Scleroderma also may have an effect on the TMJ.
Researchers generally agree that TMJ diseases and disorders fall mainly into three categories. A person may have one or more of these conditions at the same time.
- Myofascial pain. This refers to discomfort or pain in the muscles that control jaw function and can also extend to the muscles in the neck and shoulders.
- Internal derangement of the joint. This involves displacement of the disc that acts as a cushion between the skull and lower jaw.
- Inflammatory joint disease.
- Arthritis. This is an inflammatory condition that affects a joint. Various forms of Arthritis can affect the TMJ such as Degenerative (Osteoarthritis), Rheumatoid, Traumatic, Infectious, Psoriatic, and Gouty Arthritis.
- Synovitis. This is an inflammatory condition of the synovial membrane. The synovial membrane lines the joint and produces a fluid that lubricates the joint.
It is important to note that even if you are diagnosed with one or more of the conditions listed above, you may or may not experience pain in the jaw area and/or have jaw dysfunction. Research has found that many people who have these conditions are completely unaware of them and lead perfectly healthy lives.