Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the complex joint that connects your lower jaw to the sides of your skull and allows movements such as opening, closing and sliding of the jaw. It consists of bone surfaces, a cushioning disc, ligaments and muscles that work together to enable chewing, speaking and other jaw functions; this coordinated structure lets the jaw move smoothly in several directions.

Problems of the TMJ—often called temporomandibular disorders—can cause symptoms such as jaw pain or stiffness, clicking or popping sounds, difficulty opening the mouth fully and referred pain or headaches. Causes include arthritis, jaw injury, teeth grinding (bruxism) and bite problems; diagnosis is based on medical and dental history, clinical examination and sometimes imaging, and treatment ranges from self-care and physiotherapy to dental adjustments, splints or, rarely, surgical procedures for severe cases.