TMJ Dysfunction is a term to describe a disorder of the jaw joints or the muscles that control the joints. It can also be referred to as Craniomandibular Dysfunction.

TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joints. Symptoms masquerade as several other problems including sinus headaches, migraines, neck and shoulder stiffness and earaches.

Craniomandibular Dysfunction is a term, which describes a collection of symptoms, which result when the chewing muscles and jaw joints do not work correctly. TMJ are the two joints that connect your jaw to your skull. When these two joints are out of place, they can cause many problems, such as:

• Clicking or popping of the jaw joints
• Pain in or around the jaw joints
• Locking or limited opening of your mouth

Muscle spasm goes hand in hand with displaced jaw joints. Because the nerves and muscles are so complex in this area, when the muscles are in spasm they can lead to TMJ symptoms such as:

• Headaches
• Pain behind the eyes
• Dizziness
• Earaches or ringing of the ears
• Clenching or grinding of the teeth
• Neck, shoulder, or back pain
• Numbness, or tingling of the fingers