Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are disorders of the jaw muscles temporomandibular joints and/or the nerves associated with constant facial pain.

Any problem that prevents the muscles bones and joints from working together in harmony may result in TMD with the primary cause of TMD being excessive strain on the muscle group that controls chewing swallowing and speech. This strain may be a result of bruxism (incessant clenching of the teeth) or from physical or mental stress.

There are many symptoms of TMD and these may include:

Jaw discomfort or soreness Headaches Pain radiating behind the eyes in the face shoulder neck and/or back Clicking or popping of the jaw Locking of the jaw Mouth motions are limited Clenching or grinding of the teeth Dizziness Numbness or tingling sensation in the fingers

Treatment for TMD is normally based on various individual factors relating to a persons age overall health medical history extent of the disease and tolerance for specific medications procedures or therapies

Once the factors outlined above have been discussed treatment may include one of the following procedures:

Resting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) Medication and/or pain relievers Relaxation techniques and stress management Behavior modification (to reduce or eliminate the clenching of the teeth) Physical therapy Placing a mouth guard to reduce Bruxism Posture training Diet modification (to rest the jaw muscles) Surgery