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

TMJ/TMD is an additional symptom of ME/CFS.

Symptoms
Symptoms provided by Web MD - TMJ/TMD:

Excerpt


 * TMD often causes severe pain and discomfort. It can be temporary or last many years. It might affect one or both sides of your face. More women than men have it, and it’s most common among people between the ages of 20 and 40.


 * Common symptoms include:


 * 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
 * Jaws that get "stuck" or "lock" in the open- or closed-mouth position
 * Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when you open or close your mouth or chew. This may or may not be painful.
 * A tired feeling in your face
 * Trouble chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite -- as if the upper and lower teeth are not fitting together properly
 * Swelling on the side of your face


 * You may also have toothaches, headaches, neck aches, dizziness, earaches, hearing problems, upper shoulder pain, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

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 and Fibromyalgia
TMJ/TMD is "more common in people with Fibromyalgia (FMS) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS or ME/CFS) than it is in the general population."

Learn more

 * TMJ Disorders - Mayo Clinic
 * Temporomandibular joint dysfunction - Wikipedia