What are the causes of TMD?

TMJ disorder and facial pain is a common, sometimes very disconcerting problem experienced by many people. It can be a complex problem with many contributing factors such as:

• Jaw muscle spasm and inflammation due to over use or clenching / bruxing
• Jaw muscle spasm following lengthy dental procedures
• Jaw joint stiffness, inflammation and sometimes locking
• Altered bite position due to a dental restoration / filling that is too high
• Trauma to the jaw due to a blow to the face or a car accident
• Upper neck joint stiffness from poor posture or other injury
• Neck and upper back muscle spasm and tightness
• Poor head on neck posture
• Unsupported / inappropriate posture while sleeping or during waking hours
• Stress causing more clenching (bruxing) or tightness of all associated muscles
• Obstructive sleep apnoea may lead to night time bruxing