Temporomandibular joint syndrome causes are fairly simple to locate, but sometimes people don't recognize the symptoms of TMD.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects the lower jawbone to the skull, it is located right below the ears.
This joint is one of the most complex joints within the body, and it is also used very often-- the joint is actively used when you are talking and eating.
Problems associated with this joint are also commonly referred to as "TMJ" or "TMD" (temporomandibular joint disorder).
Depending on the individual situation, there are several possible causes of temporomandibular joint syndrome: 1.
The first cause (and most common TMD cause) is trauma.
This can be external trauma which is an outside force the causes the jawbone to move or break.
Internal trauma is more common, and that involves teeth grinding and jaw clenching.
As these habits take place, the muscles around the joint are faced with large amounts of pressure which causes pain and inflammation.
2.
Misalignment in the way the jaws line up.
This could be a result of a change in your teeth placement, or the disk in the joint could erode causing the jawbone to move out of the proper alignment.
3.
Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can cause TMD because it is a joint that is being affected.
Osteoarthritis causes a loss of cartilage and degeneration in the joint.
4.
Overworked muscles that stabilize the joint can be another cause of TMD.
This relates back to the first cause that was listed, because many times teeth grinding and clenching cause the over worked muscles.