What is TMD and Craniofacial Pain?

Problems with your jaw and the muscles in your head,face and neck that control it are known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD). These disorders are commonly referred to as “TMJ” but are more appropriately termed as “TMD”. TMJ actually  refers to the jaw joint itself which is the “hinge” that connects your lower jaw to the temporal bone  of your skull and is located directly in front of each ear. The joint allows you to open and close your jaw and move it side to side so you can talk, chew and yawn. 

TMD can involve any combination of three areas:

  • The muscles of the head, face and neck

  • the joint itself or

  • postural issues related to the alignment of the neck (cervical vertebra) with the head (skull).

Disorders of the TMJ can be temporary or can last for many years and may involve one or both sides of the face. More women than men tend to develop TMD and it can occur as early as teenage years or much later in elderly individuals.

TMD commonly occurs as a result of microtrauma, from the effects of clenching and grinding the teeth, or macrotrauma, which is an injury to the head, jaw or neck due to an accident, a fall, or whiplash. but many other factors can contribute to TMD and can include missing,drifting and malalignment of the teeth, an uneven bite, poor posture, stress and hormonal imbalances. Studies link a high prevalence of TMD in patients with “untreated” sleep apnea due to their chronic, subconscious clenching with the lower jaw in a more forward position in attempt to breathe as the airway closes.. As this happens repeatedly night after night the cumulative effect over time can cause signs and symptoms of TMD.

Common signs & symptoms of TMD may include:

  • Jaw locking that prevents fully opening or completely closing the jaw

  • Clicking, popping and grinding sounds in the jaw joint when opening, closing or both which may or may not be painful

  • Abnormal movement of the jaw to open, move laterally or protrude

  • Tired or tight feeling in the cheeks

  • Difficulty chewing or a sudden change in the bite

  • Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint (TMJ) neck and shoulders or in and around the ear

  • Ear stuffiness or ringing (tinnitus)

Craniofacial Pain

Any pain in the head and face from a neurogenic  (nerve), vascular (blood vessel), muscular or bony source. This includes TMJ Disorders but also the realm of headaches from tension, migraine and cluster type, neuralgias of the face and inflammation of tendons and ligaments.