TMJ Disorders

The TMJ – temporomandibular joint – is the joint at which the jaw is hinged to the skull. Painful TMJ problems occur in people who overuse or abuse this joint through teeth grinding, constant clenching and unclenching of the jaw, or excessive gum chewing. Sometimes people are born with a misalignment of the jaw that can bring on similar symptoms.

Because the neck and the TMJ are so closely connected, the TMJ can cause neck pain – and vice versa. In some cases a dentist may need to create an oral retainer to allow the joint to rest and let healing begin. After that, a physical therapist can help minimize the pain in the jaw or neck through a custom-designed exercise program.