Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)
An umbrella term covering pain and dysfunction of the muscles that move the jaw and the temporomandibular joints (the joints which connect the mandible to the skull). The most important feature is pain, followed by restricted movement, and noises from the joints during jaw movement.
About TMJ Disorders
Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders, commonly called “TMJ,” are a group of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement.
We don’t know for certain how many people have TMJ disorders, but some estimates suggest that over 10 million Americans are affected. The condition appears to be more common in women than men.
For most people, pain in the area of the jaw joint or muscles does not signal a serious problem. Generally, discomfort from these conditions is occasional and temporary, often occurring in cycles. The pain eventually goes away with little or no treatment. Some people, however, develop significant, long-term symptoms…Read more about TMJ Disorders NIH – National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research