What is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ syndrome)?
May 16, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
TMJ disorder, also known as temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome, is a relatively common maxillofacial condition. The causes may include external joint trauma, emotional stress, malocclusion, or autoimmune factors. Clinically, it manifests as pain during mouth opening and closing, joint clicking, difficulty in wide mouth opening, and restricted jaw movement. Treatment options include medication or surgery.
Generally, TMJ disorder refers to temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome, a relatively common condition affecting the jaw and face. The specific analysis is as follows:
The exact cause of temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome is not entirely clear and is associated with multiple factors, such as external joint trauma, anxiety, depression, emotional stress, malocclusion, autoimmune factors, and anatomical abnormalities of the joint. Clinically, it can be classified into several types, including disorders of the masticatory muscles, structural joint disorders, inflammatory diseases, and osteoarthrosis. Symptoms may include pain during opening or closing the mouth, joint clicking, difficulty opening the mouth widely, frequent headaches, joint locking, restricted jaw movement, and pain in the temporomandibular joint area.
If the above symptoms occur, patients should visit the dental department at a local hospital for evaluation using X-ray imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), arthrography, arthroscopy, and dental jaw models. After identifying the underlying cause, timely lifestyle modifications should be made. Additionally, medications such as aspirin tablets or prednisone tablets should be taken as prescribed by a physician. Surgical treatments, such as joint cavity irrigation or arthroscopic surgery, may also be considered when necessary.
