What Could be Causing TMJ Disorder?

What Causes TMJ Disorder?

In order to deal properly with TMJ disorder we need to understand and — if possible — remove the underlying causes and risk factors. We need to ask: "What else is going on inside the body that might allow TMJ disorder to develop?"

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Accurate diagnosis of the factors behind TMJ disorder consists of three steps:

Step 1: List the Possible Causative Factors

Identify all disease conditions, lifestyle choices and environmental risk factors that can lead to TMJ disorder. Here are five possibilities:

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Chronic Fatigue-Fibromyalgia
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Bruxism

Step 2: Build a Symptom Checklist

Identify all possible symptoms and risk factors of each possible cause, and check the ones that apply:

non-specific arm pain

frequent swollen axillary nodes

multiple swollen inguinal nodes

daily morning stiffness

morning stiffness for 45-120 minutes

short-term memory failure

frequent difficulty falling asleep

occasional unexplained fevers

having excess body fat

dry eyes

severe rheumatoid arthritis

chronic fatigue in family members

... and more than 60 others

Step 3: Rule Out or Confirm each Possible Cause

A differential diagnosis of your symptoms and risk factors finds the likely cause of TMJ disorder:

Cause	Probability	Status
Chronic Fatigue-Fibromyalgia	99%	Confirm
Bruxism	20%	Unlikely
Rheumatoid Arthritis	5%	Ruled out
Osteoarthritis	3%	Ruled out
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis	1%	Ruled out

* This is a simple example to illustrate the process

Arriving at a Correct Diagnosis

The Analyst™ is our online diagnosis tool that learns all about you through a straightforward process of multi-level questioning, providing diagnosis at the end.

If you indicate joint problems, The Analyst™ will ask further questions including this one:

Jaw problems. Have you suffered TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint, or hinge of the jaw) malfunction with symptoms of jaw pain, limited jaw movement, or locking? These may be accompanied by clicks, pops, grating or other noises.

Possible responses:

→ Never had it / don't know
→ Minor episode(s) now resolved
→ Major episode(s) now resolved
→ Current minor problem
→ Current major problem

Based on your response to this question, which may indicate either history of TMJ disorder or TMJ disorder, The Analyst™ will consider possibilities such as:

Bruxism (Clenching/Grinding Teeth)

Although the link is not clear, stresses on the jaw caused by bruxism can lead to TMJ dysfunction. The muscles that stabilize the joint become fatigued from frequent clenching and/or grinding of teeth.

Chronic Fatigue / Fibromyalgia Syndrome

TMJ disorders occur more often among those with CFS.

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Osteoarthritis

The TMJ may be affected by osteoarthritis, usually in those over 50 years old. Symptoms include stiffness, grating, or mild pain. Both sides of the jaw are usually involved.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

If the TMJ is affected by rheumatoid arthritis, it is usually one of the last joints involved. RA affects the TMJ in almost 20% of cases. Pain, swelling, and limited movement are the most common symptoms.

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