Jaw Pain/TMJ

Temporomandibular joint disease or TMJ is a painful condition affecting the area where the lower jaw connects to the sides of the skull, which impairs function and sensation in the face and jaw. The pain may spread to the ears, neck, and shoulders. Medical research has not yet defined all the causes of TMJ. Certain dental or medical procedures, oral habits, injury, and a variety of joint diseases and disorders like arthritis, can precipitate or aggravate TMJ. Some symptoms of TMJ include: facial pain, jaw joint pain, popping, grating or clicking sounds with movement of the jaw joint, swelling on the side of the face and/or mouth.