Jaw joint pain is a type of chronic pain that occurs in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the area in the jaw where the lower jawbone meets the skull. The pain is often accompanied by a clicking or popping sound when the jaw is moved. While jaw joint pain is not visible to the naked eye, it can be detected through a physical examination of the jaw and surrounding structures.
Symptoms of Jaw Joint Pain
The most common symptom of jaw joint pain is a dull, aching pain in the jaw and surrounding areas. This pain may be accompanied by a clicking or popping sound when the jaw is moved. Other symptoms include difficulty opening and closing the jaw, locking of the jaw, difficulty chewing, and pain in the neck, face, and ears.
Causes of Jaw Joint Pain
Jaw joint pain is often caused by a misalignment of the teeth or jaw. Other causes of the condition include injury or trauma to the jaw, arthritis, and bruxism (grinding or clenching of the teeth).
Diagnosing Jaw Joint Pain
A doctor may diagnose jaw joint pain by asking the patient about their symptoms and performing a physical examination of the jaw and surrounding structures. The doctor may also take X-rays or perform an MRI to determine the cause of the pain.
Treatment of Jaw Joint Pain
Treatment for jaw joint pain depends on the cause of the pain. Treatment options may include medications to reduce inflammation and pain, physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the jaw, and orthodontic treatment to realign the teeth and jaw. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the cause of the pain.