TMJ or the Temporomandibular Joint, is the part of the mandible that hinges the lower jaw to the skull, allowing you to open and close your mouth with flexibility. Some patients tend to clench their jaw and grind their teeth, resulting in severe pain that is associated with their TMJ and the surrounding muscles. Other times, the pain can result from trauma to the jaw or in reaction to recent stress or anxiety. When the TMJ is affected, so is a person’s ability to speak, chew, or smile.

Some signs that your TMJ complex may be under stress:

• Stiffness of the jaw muscles
• Locking or clicking noise whenever you open and close your mouth
• Muscles soreness and pain in the neck and shoulders
• Migraines or headaches