Temporomandibular joint disorder, (TMJ). What causes the disorder? On each side of your head there are two matching temporomandibular joints in front of your ears on both sides of your head. The physical stress on the structures surrounding the joint is what many TMJ related symptoms are caused by. Cartilage disk at the joint, muscles of the jaw, face, and neck, nearby ligament, blood vessels, nerves and teeth are the structures that could be physically stressed leading to (TMJ).

However, the cause is unknown for many people with (TMJ). Don’t assume that if you have a bad bite or wear orthodontic braces that you have or are more susceptible to (TMJ). Some causes for (TMJ) are not well proven. Another cause that is said to be linked to TMJ but is not well proven is stress and tooth grinding. Many who have problems with their TMJ joint do not grind their teeth and there are those who don’t have TMJ problems and have been grinding their teeth for a long time. As opposed to being the cause of the problem, stress that is associated with this disorder may be the result of pain for some.

There are ways to avoid TMJ symptoms. Practicing good posture is important. For example, your face and neck muscles are strained if you are looking at a computer all day holding your head forward. Other ways to avoid TMJ symptoms are getting adequate sleep, a balanced diet and lowering your stress level.