TMJ: What Causes It?

Temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMJ, is a disorder that affects the jaw joints and muscles. It causes pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles of the face, head and neck. TMJ can be an incredibly painful and disruptive condition, and it’s important to understand what causes it in order to properly treat it.

Physical Traumas

One of the most common causes of TMJ is physical trauma or injury to the jaw joints or muscles. Sports-related or other blunt traumas can lead to inflammation and misalignment of the joint, resulting in TMJ. Damage to the jaw joint or muscles can also occur due to surgery, including the kind performed for wisdom tooth extraction or cosmetic dental work. In addition, having poor posture – especially if the head is held at an unnatural angle – can lead to physical trauma to the jaw that may cause TMJ.

Mental Health

The relationship between mental health and TMJ is not fully understood, yet research is beginning to uncover a link between them. Mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and stress have been associated with increased risk of developing TMJ. This is thought to be due to the way in which stress and emotional distress can influence muscle tension in the jaw and face, which can lead to TMJ.

Genetics

The connection between genetics and TMJ is still being studied, but there is growing evidence that suggests that genetics may play a role in the development of TMJ. One particular study found that people with a particular gene are more likely to suffer from TMJ than those without it. This gene affects the way in which a person processes pain, and if it is present, it may make them more vulnerable to TMJ.

The actual cause of TMJ is not always known, and the condition may present differently from person to person. While physical traumas, mental health disorders, and genetics all appear to be associated with TMJ, identifying and addressing the individual causes can help in the treatment and management of the condition. If you believe that you have TMJ, it’s important to seek medical attention in order to properly diagnose and treat the condition.