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TMJ Disorders
To better understand this disorder, we need a little bit of basic
understanding of this joint. TMJ stands for "Temporo-Mandibular Joint".
It has 3 components and they are all mentioned in its name.
1. "Temporo" for Temporal bone (part of base of the skull).
2. "Mandibular" as a reference to a particular part of the Mandible (or the
lower jaw)
3. "Joint" for the cartilage-like hour-glass shaped disc the is attached to
the mandibular part of this joint.
To distinguish your jaw joint from other joints in the body, let's look at your elbow. The elbow is a joint that has 2 movable components: the upper arm and the lower arm. In the case of the TMJ, it only has one movable component: the mandible (lower jaw). Now the jaw joint also has the disc that is attached to the one moveable part. The elbow doesn't have this disc. Much like your elbows though, you have 2 jaw joints, a left and a right. These joints are set into motion every time you open and close your mouth no matter what it is you are doing.
When the components of the TMJ do not work in harmony, the disc component of the joint gets dislocated from its proper position. When this happens, there is usually a popping, clicking or crackling sound. Sometimes it is very faint and sometimes it is so obvious that your dinner partner hears it.
The dislocation of the joint (either partial or full dislocation) is the main cause behind all the symptoms associated with TMJ.
At other times the TMJ's are thrown out of balance due to unfavorable muscle activity. Certain habits and chewing movements make it more likely to develop TMJ. Then can also turn a mild TMJ case into a more severe case.
Any sort of a trauma, from auto accidents to sporting injuries to fights can always cause serious temporary if not chronic or permanent joint problems.
As a result of this dislocation, there is impingement (or pinching) of different nerves around the joint. This nerve impingement results in symptoms such as pain when chewing, ringing in the ears, stuffiness of the ears and loss of balance or dizziness. Other symptoms included neck,shoulder pain, facial pain, jaw pain, headaches and sensitivity to lights or sounds. While these are not all of the symptoms, they typically are most commonly seen in TMJ patients.
After years and years of repeated dislocation of the joint, the disc may become stuck in an awkward place. You know this is the case when you can barely open your mouth to put a couple of your fingers in there or when it hurts really bad but your can "tough it out."
In very rare circumstances do you see a tumor or other structural problems that would indicate the need for surgery.
Regardless of the cause of this disorder, there can be a number of symptoms. In cases where treatment is delayed or neglected, there can be further deterioration of the component of the joint.
The joint is made of a tough cartilage like tissue. It is tough and fibrous, but it is not very thick, so it does wear thru when there is excessive load and contact on it. If TMJ goes on for long time, it is possible to develop a "hole" or a "tear" in the disc. The bone against bone contact which is then created between the lower jaw and the upper jaw then results in the jaw bone being worn away over time.
Genetics do have a component in the health and longevity of functioning jaw joints. Some patients with arthritis such as Rheumatoid Arthritis do have more problems with their TMJ's. Other less common disease that affect the cartilage tissue in the body can also have an impact on the health of the jaw joints.