Temporo Mandibular Joint Syndrome  (TMJ)

There can be several reasons why people suffer from TMJ disorders: arthritis, dislocation and often an injury. However, clearly the most outstanding and common cause is stress. Stress causes people to subconsciously grind or clench their teeth. This puts extreme pressures on the joint and muscles which causes pain in these structures.Tooth pain , joint pain, facial pain, headaches and difficulty in opening the jaw are all symptoms of TMJ disorder.

Emotional stress usually plays an integral role in the development of TMJ. This occurs due to two basic reasons. Stress increases both the severity and duration of clenching or grinding while asleep. Many will also subconsciously clench or grind their teeth more while awake during times of stress. Additionally, during times of stress your adaptability and pain threshold will go down. As a result, you are more likely to experience symptoms of TMJ if other factors already exist. Emotional conditions can contribute to TMJ as well. Depression, anxiety disorders, and the like can often contribute to TMJ problems arising.

To resolve any TMJ disorder can be extremely complicated. Special skills are required and very few specialists exist.