The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. You have one joint on each side of your jaw. Dysfunction can lead to pain and discomfort.
Jaw pain, difficulty chewing, clicking and locking of the jaw joint are some of the symptoms. Common treatments include medications, bite guards, and physical therapy.
At the Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists Orthopedic and Sports Therapy clinic at 5496 East Taft Road, George Barrett will evaluate and treat your TMJ issues. George has over 20 years treating TMJ disorders. George will use a combination of manual techniques, therapeutic exercises, and non-medication pain-relievers to reduce your pain, and return you to a normal lifestyle.
The exact cause of a person's TMJ disorder is often difficult to determine. Your pain may be due to a combination of factors, such as genetics, arthritis or jaw injury. Some people who have jaw pain also tend to clench or grind their teeth (bruxism), although many people habitually clench or grind their teeth and never develop TMJ disorders.
In most cases, the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders is temporary and can be relieved with self-managed care or nonsurgical treatments. Surgery is typically a last resort after conservative measures have failed, but some people with TMJ disorders may benefit from surgical treatments.
Signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders may include:
Pain or tenderness of your jaw
Pain in one or both of the temporomandibular joints
Pain in and around your ear
Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing
Facial pain
Decreased motion or locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close your mouth
Clicking sound or grating sensation when you open your mouth or chew.
When to see a doctor
Seek medical attention if you have persistent pain or tenderness in your jaw, or if you can't open or close your jaw completely. Your doctor, your dentist or a TMJ specialist can discuss possible causes and treatments for your problem. 
Causes of TMJ disorders
The temporomandibular joint combines a hinge action with sliding motions. The parts of the bones that interact in the joint are covered with cartilage and are separated by a small shock-absorbing disk, which normally keeps the movement smooth.
Painful TMJ disorders can occur if:
The disk erodes or moves out of its proper alignment
The joint's cartilage is damaged by arthritis
The joint is damaged by a blow or other impact
In many cases, however, the cause of TMJ disorders isn't clear.
Factors that may increase the risk of developing TMJ disorders include:
Various types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
Jaw injury
Long-term (chronic) grinding or clenching of teeth
Certain connective tissue diseases that cause problems that may affect the temporomandibular joint
Treatment of TMJ disorders
In some cases, the symptoms of TMJ disorders may go away without treatment. If your symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend a variety of treatment options, often more than one to be done at the same time.
Medications
Along with other nonsurgical treatments, these medication options may help relieve the pain associated with TMJ disorders:
Pain relievers and anti-inflammatories. If over-the-counter pain medications aren't enough to relieve TMJ pain, your doctor or dentist may prescribe stronger pain relievers for a limited time, such as prescription strength ibuprofen.
Tricyclic antidepressants. These medications, such as amitriptyline, are used mostly for depression, but in low doses, they're sometimes used for pain relief, bruxism control and sleeplessness.
Muscle relaxants. These types of drugs are sometimes used for a few days or weeks to help relieve pain caused by TMJ disorders created by muscle spasms.
Therapies
Nondrug therapies for TMJ disorders include:
Physical therapy. Along with exercises to stretch and strengthen jaw muscles, treatments might include ultrasound, moist heat and ice.
Oral splints or mouth guards (occlusal appliances). Often, people with jaw pain will benefit from wearing a soft or firm device inserted over their teeth, but the reasons why these devices are beneficial are not well-understood.
Counseling. Education and counseling can help you understand the factors and behaviors that may aggravate your pain, so you can avoid them. Examples include teeth clenching or grinding, leaning on your chin, or biting fingernails. Changing your meal habits may help. This can include eating softer foods, cutting food into smaller pieces, and avoiding gum and chewy foods.
Alternative medicine
Complementary and alternative medicine techniques may help manage the chronic pain often associated with TMJ disorders. Examples include:
Acupuncture. A specialist trained in acupuncture treats chronic pain by inserting hair-thin needles at specific locations on your body.
Relaxation techniques. Consciously slowing your breathing and taking deep, regular breaths can help relax tense muscles, which can reduce pain.
Biofeedback. Electronic devices that monitor the tightness of specific muscles can help you practice effective relaxation techniques.
Preparing for your appointment
You'll probably first talk about your TMJ symptoms with your family doctor or dentist. If suggested treatments don't provide enough relief, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in TMJ disorders.
You may want to prepare a list that answers the following questions:
When did your symptoms begin?
Have you ever had this occur in the past?
Has your level of stress increased recently?
Do you have frequent headaches, neck aches or toothaches?
What medications and supplements do you take regularly?
What to expect from your doctor, dentist and physical therapist:
Your clinician may ask some of the following questions:
Is your pain constant or do your symptoms come and go?
Does any activity seem to trigger the pain?
Does your jaw click or pop when you move it? Is that clicking painful?
Is it difficult to open your mouth normally?
Your clinician will ask additional questions based on your responses, symptoms and needs. Preparing and anticipating questions will help you make the most of your time.
At the Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists Orthopedic and Sports Therapy clinic at 5496 East Taft Road, George Barrett will evaluate and treat your TMJ issues. George has over 20 years treating TMJ disorders. George will use a combination of manual techniques, therapeutic exercises, and non-medication pain-relievers to reduce your pain, and return you to a normal lifestyle.
Get a prescription from your doctor or dentist, and contact us today to make your appointment.
Sources: Mayo Clinic website on TMJ disorders