call 617-969-8995
About TMJ
What is TMJ?
In medical terminology, TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint (which is a joint of your jaw). If your TMJ does not function properly, over time you may develop pain in your jaw and face. That condition is called TMJ Disorder or TMJ Syndrome.
In everyday life people say “I have TMJ” when they want to convey that they have pain in the face or jaw. People also say “I have TMJ” when they believe that their jaw does not work correctly, or when their face muscles feel tight. Even though the popular use of the term TMJ is incorrect, we will utilize it when talking about any pain in the face or jaw (regardless of its causes) because that terminology is easily recognizable to people from outside of the medical community.
What is the correct medical terminology for various disorders that manifest as jaw and face pain?
Medical names for complex dysfunctions involving bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles of the face and head include:
- Craniofacial Pain
- Orofacial Pain Syndrome
- Craniomandibular Pain Syndrome
These names don’t identify the cause of face and jaw pain.
If the pain in your face and jaw is caused by a dysfunction of the muscles of your face, medical name for your problem would be:
- Temporomandibular Disorder (Dysfunction), or TMD.
If the reason for your pain is a dysfunction within the jaw joint, your doctor may call your condition one of the following:
- Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ Dysfunction)
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ Disorder)
- Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ Syndrome)
- Temporomandibular Joint Pain (TMJ Pain)
Read more about what causes TMJ >
“Teresa was the first person who was able to effectively treat my TMJ. If it was not for Teresa, I would still be living my life in pain. I would highly recommend Teresa to anyone who suffers from pain.” Read more about what former patients say >
Read more about TMJ:
Read patient testimonials:
Watch video testimonials and read what our former patients say about treatment for TMJ at New Body ~ New Mind.
Would you like to schedule an appointment?
To schedule an appointment, simply fill out our appointment request form online or give us a call at 617-969-8995.
