Temporomandibular Joint
TMJ stands for “temporomandibular joint”, otherwise known as a jaw joint. It is the joint where each temporal bone on the sides of our skull meets the mandible bone, which is the structure of our jawline. We have 2 temporomandibular joints or TMJs; one on the left side of our jaw and one on the right side. These joints are located just in front of our ears. Inside the joint, there is a round disc of fibrous tissue that separates the two bones and contributes to the way the joint moves. The joint is then covered by a capsular ligament. Some additional ligaments and muscles provide support to the joint. Both joints are connected through the mandible bone and influence each other’s movements.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, “The most common cause of facial pain is a group of conditions called temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders (TMJDs). These disorders cause recurrent or chronic pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and its associated muscles and supporting tissues.
TMJDs are the second most commonly occurring musculoskeletal conditions resulting in pain and disability (after chronic low back pain), affecting approximately 5 to 12% of the population, with an annual cost estimated at $4 billion. About half to two-thirds of those with TMJ disorders will seek treatment.
Among these, approximately 15% will develop chronic TMJD.” Assuming my math is right, there are currently over 316 Million people in the USA and over 7 billion in the world therefore based on the NIDCR reports, 16 to 38 million just in the US and worldwide 350 million to 840 Million people suffer from some form of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) or facial pain. This is a staggering number.
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MILLER CONCIERGE PHYSICAL THERAPY, LLC
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