Temporomandibular joint syndrome is a condition wherein the joint that connects our mandibles to our skulls, is swollen or inflamed. This results in pain and difficulty in opening and closing one's mouth. This disorder may also result to swelling in the face and tenderness or stiffness of the jaw.

There are a variety of causes for the syndrome, namely they are: 1) the damaging of the joint as a result of clenching or grinding; 2) the abnormality in the joint's shape; 3) the dislocation of the joint and 4) the effect of rheumatoid arthritis to the joint.

There are many symptoms for this dysfunction. If you are experiencing pain in the jaw and in your ears, then that may be a sign that you have the syndrome. A stiff and swollen jaw combined with a headache is another symptom of this dysfunction. People with dental problems are more vulnerable to this syndrome. People whose top and bottom teeth do not line up, grinds and clenches them or has an overbite are usually the sufferers of this dysfunction. If you have worn braces in the past, then you are more vulnerable to this disorder too.

There are many ways for one to treat this dysfunction. One treatment of TMJ is through surgery. Serious cases of the condition are dealt with surgery. If the pain becomes unbearable and the joints are severely damaged, the only way to go would be surgery. Besides surgery, there are other noninvasive ways to treat this disorder.

A good and noninvasive treatment of TMJ is the use of a biofeedback headband during the night. Bruxism, or the subconscious grinding and clenching of one's teeth, is reduced with the use of a biofeedback headband. The headaches that accompany this condition will also be lessened by the biofeedback headband. A biofeedback headband will definitely reduce the joint damage that contributes to the syndrome.

There are also medicinal drugs that can be used as treatment of TMJ. Anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants will help one to get rid of the swollen jaw. Some patients have used pain killers but they were ineffective for some cases. Stress worsens your condition, so some doctors prescribe antidepressant drugs.