TMJ disorders cause tenderness and pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the joint on each side of your head in front of your ears, where your lower jawbone meets your skull. This joint allows you to talk, chew and yawn.

TMJ disorders can be caused by many different types of problems, including arthritis, jaw injury, or muscle fatigue from clenching or grinding your teeth. In most cases, the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders can be alleviated with self-managed care or non-surgical treatments. Severe TMJ disorders may need to be treated with dental or surgical interventions.

Symptoms

1) Pain or tenderness of your jaw
2) Aching pain in and around your ear
3) Difficulty chewing or discomfort while chewing
4) Aching facial pain
5) Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close your mouth
6) Headache
7) Uncomfortable bite
8) An uneven bite, because one or more teeth are making premature contact


TMJ disorders can also cause a clicking sound or grating sensation when you open your mouth or chew. But if there's no pain or limitation of movement associated with your jaw clicking, you probably do not have a TMJ disorder.

Causes

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 keeps the movement smooth.

TMJ disorders can occur if:

1) The disk erodes or moves out of its proper alignment
2) The joint cartilage is damaged by arthritis
3) The joint is damaged by a blow or other impact
4) The muscles that stabilize the joint become fatigued from overwork, which can happen if you habitually clench or grind your teeth

In many cases, however, the cause of TMJ disorders is not clear.

Western Medicine Treatment

In some cases, the symptoms of TMJ disorders may go away without treatment. If your symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend medications or a bite guard to help keep you from grinding your teeth at night. In very rare cases, surgery may be required to repair or replace the joint.

Medications

1) Painkillers.
2) Tricyclic antidepressants.
3) Muscle relaxants.
4) Corticosteroid drugs
5) Botulinum toxin.
6) Therapies
7) Bite guard.
8) Cognitive behavioral therapy.
9) Surgical or other procedures
10) Corrective dental treatment.
11) Arthrocentesis.
12) Surgery.

Adopted from mayoclinic.com