About Us | Privacy | Site Map
May 26, 2013
Font Size
A
A
A
...
5
...

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Syndrome (cont.)

Medical Author:
Medical Editor:

TMJ Syndrome Diagnosis

  • Medical history: In diagnosing your jaw problem, the doctor will ask the following questions:
    • What kind of pain do you have?
    • Is it an ache, a throbbing pain, or a sharp stabbing pain?
    • Is the pain continuous or intermittent?
    • Can you outline the area of pain on your face with your finger?
    • What helps to alleviate the pain? What aggravates the pain?
    • Do you grind or clench your teeth? Do you bite your nails or chew on any objects, such as pens or pencils?
    • Do you hold the telephone with your shoulder against your ear for a long time?
    • Do you chew gum often? For how long?
    • Do you have any oral habits that you have not mentioned?
  • Physical examination: During the physical examination, the doctor will examine your head, neck, face, and temporomandibular joints, noting any of the following:
    • tenderness (pain) and its location;
    • sounds, such as clicking, popping, grating;
    • the mandible (lower jaw) range of motion and whether it is easy to open and close and can move from side to side and forward-backward without any pain;
    • your assessment of pain on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 10;
    • wear and tear on the buccal cusps of the mandibular teeth, especially the canine teeth;
    • the rigidity and or tenderness of the chewing muscles;
    • how your teeth fit together: normal, open bite, crossbite, overbite, dental restorations, or skeletal deformity.
  • Imaging: X-rays may be taken of the mouth and jaw. CT or MRI scans may also be used. The MRI was designed for imaging of soft tissue and, therefore, will show the location of the TMJ disc in relationship to the jaw and skull bones. That will give the doctor a better idea as to the proper treatment approach.

Must Read Articles Related to Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Syndrome

Headache (Mild)
Mild Headache Mild headaches are common but usually do not represent a serious illness. They result from irritation or injury to pain-sensing structures of the head. Symptoms...learn more >>
Pain Medications
Pain Medications The effects of pain medication are different for each person. Pain also varies in tolerance as well from person to person. There are several different pain medi...learn more >>
Sleep: Understanding the Basics
Sleep: Understanding the Basics Sleep is defined as a state of unconsciousness from which a person can be aroused. In this state, the brain is relatively more responsive to internal stimuli th...learn more >>

Viewer Comments & Reviews

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Syndrome - Treatments

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What treatment was effective for your TMJ?

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Syndrome - Symptoms

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

For Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Syndrome, what were the symptoms and signs you experienced?

Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome - Causes

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What was the cause of your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome?

Arthritis

Get the latest treatment options

Please acknowledge your agreement




Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome »

TMJ, or temporal mandibular joint, is the synovial joint that connects the jaw to the skull.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


Medical Dictionary


Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick, easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including 24 hour, pharmacies