Common TMJ Terms that may be Confusing you

The TMJ in itself is such a complex concept that while some are only now learning about the joint, others may have gotten themselves well versed with the terms related to it. If you’re new here and feeling overwhelmed with all the complex terminology related to it, let us rescue you. Before we understand the terms used around it, here is what you need to understand around the term.

TMJ – The temporomandibular joint or the TM Joint is the jaw joint that connects your jaw to the skull.

Here are some of the terms commonly used in the world of TMJ : 

TMD – It is the disorder of the TMJ. A lot of people wrongly use the words TMJ and TMD interchangeably. However, it is important to note that TMJ is the joint and TMD is its disorder. 

Disc displacement –
There’s a small cushion of cartilage present in your jaw joint called the disc.
Sometimes it moves out of its usual position.
Think: a tiny cushion that has slipped slightly out of place.
It may cause clicking, popping, or sometimes no symptoms at all.

Clicking – This is a sound often heard from the TMJ on routine movements like opening, closing or lateral jaw movements. It indicates that the cartilage or the disc in the joint is not coordinating with the movement of the joint or is out of place. Regardless if it is accompanied by pain or not, a clicking or popping sound from the joint should never be ignored. 

Crepitus – A crunchy, grating, sandpaper-like sound/feeling when you open or close your mouth. It indicates degeneration of the bone because of friction caused by bone rubbing against the bone.

Bruxism – The dental term for clenching or grinding your teeth, often without realizing you’re doing it. This causes your jaw to be working overtime.
Basically: your teeth are clocking in for a shift they weren’t asked to do.

Myofascial pain – Pain that is mainly rooted in the muscles around your jaw, rather than the joint itself. Your chewing muscles can become sore, tight, tender, or tired, sometimes even causing pain around your temples or face. Sort of like a workout your jaw muscles didn’t consent to.

Locking – When your jaw gets stuck and doesn’t move normally.
If it won’t open properly it is called a closed lock and if it gets stuck open, we call it an open lock.

Osteoarthritis – degenerative changes in the jaw joint that can make it painful, stiff, or crunchy.

While these aren’t the only terms that we use on the daily, they sum up a lot of the issues that patients often face and talk about usually. If you’ve been experiencing any of these, it’s best to get a consultation with a specialist in your area at the earliest.