Short Description
A disorder affecting the TMJ, causing jaw pain, clicking, stiffness, and difficulty in movement, often linked to stress or misalignment.
Long Description
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) refers to a group of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the TMJ and surrounding muscles. It can result from jaw misalignment, teeth grinding (bruxism), arthritis, or trauma to the jaw joint.
Common symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, headaches, ear pain, facial soreness, and difficulty chewing. Severe cases may lead to jaw locking or limited mouth movement. Stress and poor posture can contribute to muscle tension and exacerbate symptoms.
Treatment varies depending on severity and may include jaw exercises, wearing a nightguard, physical therapy, pain management techniques, or in extreme cases, surgery. Lifestyle modifications such as avoiding hard foods, managing stress, and practicing relaxation techniques can help relieve TMD symptoms.