Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

More Than Jaw Pain

Does your jaw click, pop, or feel tight? Do you wake up with headaches or neck and jaw pain? A temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) affecting your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) might be to blame.

TMJ is the shortened name of the physical joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull. They are the ball and socket joints that allow you to open your mouth to chew, talk, and yawn. The temporomandibular joint is one of the most complex joints in the human body, and when it becomes inflamed, it can affect your ability to chew healthy foods and communicate clearly. A disorder of the TMJ is technically called TMD, or temporomandibular disorder, but TMD and TMJ have become interchangeable when referring to the swelling and pain related to the jaw joint.

There are many causes of TMJ pain including nighttime clenching and grinding, arthritis in one or both joints, missing teeth, a misaligned bite or crooked teeth, and injuries to the head and neck.

most common symptoms

• Headaches that mimic migraines
• A dull ache or soreness in the jaw muscles
• Stiffness that radiates to the neck and back 
• Ear pressure like the feeling you get when flying 
• Tightness, clicking or popping in the jaw joint when yawning or eating soft foods
• The inability to open your mouth all the way
• Feeling like one tooth is suddenly “out of place”

With extensive training in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and orofacial pain, Dr. Michael Swirsky is effectively able to diagnose and treat a myriad of conditions associated with the jaw joint and muscles. With societal stress and pressure building yearly we see many people who have gone most of their lives with no symptoms suddenly develop pain and altered function. Many others have warning signs present that they are unaware of that hint at potential problems in the future. We provide therapies that can reduce discomfort and restore balance and harmony to the jaw joint and muscular systems.