What are TMD (or TMJ) problems?
We refer to TMD or TMJ problems as being like “arthritis in the jaw.” We use this since most people associate arthritis with joint and muscle stiffness and soreness. These symptoms are usually the main symptoms of TMD disorders. The symptoms of TMD are usually easy to spot, but finding the cause of the symptoms can sometimes be quite complex. In many patients with TMD problems, several different things may contribute to the problem. The confusing aspects of TMD is that it can cause symptoms in so many different locations (see enclosed chart.) Patients with TMD problems sometimes have acute and very severe pain and require the most careful attention that we can provide.
