Medical conditions

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is formed by the mandible (mandibular condyle) and the temporal bone of the skull (the glenoid fossa of the temporal bone). We have two TMJs, the right and the left, which work together during mouth opening and closing movements and during chewing. These joints allow the mouth to open and close, playing an important role in chewing, phonation, swallowing, and breathing. Between the two bones that form the joint, there is a disc (fibrocartilage) which is important for improving the fit of the joint and which also moves during mouth movements. The temporomandibular joint can also develop several problems similar to those affecting other joints in our body, such as disc injuries, improper condylar positions (anterior/posterior condyle), osteoarthritis, capsulitis, and inflammatory processes. The most common symptoms are restriction in opening or closing the mouth or in lateral sliding movements of the chin, clicking sensations when opening or closing the mouth, pain over the joint which may radiate to the ear, neck, or jaw region, pain during chewing, a sensation of locking when opening the mouth, and muscular tension in the chewing muscles. The TMJ also establishes many important anatomical relationships with the bones of the skull, the cervical spine, and the shoulder region, therefore its dysfunctions play an important role in global postural alterations and vice versa, and may be involved in symptoms manifested in other regions of the body.

There is also a very important relationship between the TMJ and the teeth, since dental alterations may lead to problems in these joints and, on the other hand, TMJ problems may lead to poor dental occlusion. The collaborative work of the physiotherapist and the dentist is important to achieve better results.