Temporomandibular joint disorder



Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD) can cause jaw pain and pain in the muscles that control your jaw. A combination of factors can cause this disorder such as genetics, arthritis or jaw injury.

Dentists and doctors can diagnose TMJ/TMD, including Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists (ENT), and oral surgeons.

TMJ/TMD is more common in fibromyalgia patients than in ME/CFS patients.

Symptoms
TMD may cause severe pain and discomfort, and can affect either one or both sides of your face. It can be temporary or last many years. It is more common in women and among people between the ages of 20 and 40.

Common symptoms

 * Headaches
 * Jaw pain
 * Clicking in the jaw, which may be painful
 * Difficulty opening or closing the mouth or chewing
 * Jaws that get "stuck" or "lock" in the open- or closed-mouth position
 * Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
 * Pain or tenderness in your face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders, and in or around the ear when you chew, speak, or open your mouth wide
 * Problems when you try to open your mouth wide
 * Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when you open or close your mouth or chew.
 * Trouble chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite -- as if the upper and lower teeth are not fitting together properly
 * Swelling on the side of the face
 * Other symptoms may include toothaches, dizziness, earaches, hearing problems, or upper shoulder pain.

Examination and tests
Tooth decay, sinus problems, arthritis, or gum disease need to be ruled out. Jaw joints are checked for pain or tenderness, clicks, pops, or grating sounds when you move them. Locking when you open or close your mouth and your bite will be examined as well as a check of facial musles. X-rays, MRI or CT scan may be ordered.

ME/CFS
ME/CFS patients may have comorbid TMD, although it is not as common as many other comorbid conditions.

A study by Newton et al. (2015) found that ME/CFS patients who also had TMD had greater autonomic nervous system dysfunction. The study found that 31% had both TMD and ME/CFS, and the remaining 69% had TMD without ME/CFS.

Fibromyalgia
Many people with fibromyalgia develop temporomandibular disorder, previously known as TMJ.

A review by Soares et al (2015) found fibromyalgia has "characteristics that constitute predisposing and triggering factors for TMD".

Learn more

 * TMJ Disorders - Mayo Clinic
 * Temporamandibular disorder - Johns Hopkins Medicine
 * Temporomandibular joint dysfunction - Wikipedia