How TMJ Disorders Develop
Because muscles and joints work together, a problem with either one can lead you to uncomfortable results: stiffness, headaches, pain, bite problems, clicking or locking.
Stress, teeth clenching (bruxism), and poor posture causes your muscles to tighten up which can cause pressure on your TM Joints and also cause wear to your teeth.
Joint problems come from injuries (blow to the jaw or bruxism) or from disease (often arthritis). An injury may stretch or tear ligaments, allow your disc to slip out of position, even lead to degeneration.
If muscle and joint problems disrupt the way your jaws work, the resulting pressure and wear and tear on the TM joints may lead to any of several conditions.
- Pain in jaws, neck or head
- Worn teeth or teeth that no longer fit together properly
- inability to move your jaws easily or smoothly