The "Temporomandibular Joint," (TMJ) more commonly referred to as the "jaw joint," assists in the basic opening and closing movements of the jaw. Unfortunately, this joint is a common area for recurring pain, and problems here often serve as a trigger for other head and neck problems. Joint pain, joint noise, headaches, neck/shoulder pain and even migraine headaches can all originate from the temporomandibular joint area. The complex of different problems that can originate from the TMJ is more properly referred to as "TMD" or temporomandibular disorder.
Although conventional wisdom suggests that "popping" sounds in the jaw indicate a TMJ dysfunction which requires treatment, this is not always true. Joint noises do suggest some internal joint changes, but many people function their whole lives with this and never require treatment. You will know you have a problem if the jaw locks open or closed, or you have pain.
Some patients will periodically experience joint soreness or pain which can be associated with joint noises or popping sounds. For most people, these episodes are not serous and can be controlled by shifting to a softer diet, applying ice packs and taking a 7-10 course of anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen is our drug of choice) to help alleviate their symptoms. Most of these episodes are easily controlled. For those who continue to have difficulties, a more detailed examination is needed.
For more serious cases of TMJ, we will recommend alternate treatments. Often, we will suggest using a mouth guard, splints or other appliances to relieve teeth grinding or clenching. For the most severe cases of TMJ, we may recommend certain invasive procedures.