Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome is a disorder of the jaw muscles and nerves caused by injury or inflammation to the temporomandibular joint. 

The temporomandibular joint is what connects your skull to your jaw. Lots of the structures (muscles, vessels and nerves) that go to your head and face, are the same that the ones which go to your neck. Hence, any injury or disorder in those structures can cause referred pain to your Temporomandibular joint. 

There are several risk factors for TMD: 

-Poor posture in the neck and upper back muscles may lead to neck strain and abnormalities of jaw muscle function.
-Stress may increase muscle tension and jaw clenching.
-Women 18-44 years of age have increased risk.
-Patients with other chronic inflammatory arthritis have increased risk.
-People with jaw trauma or poorly positioned teeth have increased risk.
-People who have a genetic predisposition to pain sensitivity and increased stress responses may be more susceptible. 

Treatment options: 

TMD is a recurring, but self -limiting condition that tends not to be progressive. Non-invasive, conservative treatments have found to be effective: 

–  Physiotherapy treatment in our Cairns city physiotherapy clinic is very effective in relieving and managing TMD, even when the symptoms are long-standing and severe. With appropriate physiotherapy most patients will see a significant improvement in their symptoms within 3 to 6 weeks. 

-ice/heat packs: ice when acute and inflammatory cause is present, heat after a few days with pain or in a chronic case 

-Diet: soft diet is recommended. Cut foods into small pieces so you chew less. Skip hard, crunchy foods, chewy foods, and thick or large bites that require you to open wide. 

–Behaviour modifications, including improving sleep hygiene, stress reduction and elimination of parafunctional habits such as teeth clenching and grinding, are particularly important. 

-The use of splints may benefit a select group of patients who have severe bruxism and nocturnal clenching. Visit your dentist for appropriate assessment and management. 

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