They also transmit pain signals to the brain causing you to feel discomfort. The muscles are fairly large and are found from the side of your head down to your neck. Other related muscles that do not specifically work the jaw, but are sometimes symptomatic are found in the neck, face, and upper back. What Defines TMD Temporomandibular disorders come in many forms and varying degrees of severity. The pain can range from a mild ache in the morning to a chronic debilitating pain.
Loss of function can be mild jaw stiffness to being unable to open the jaw barely at all.
The muscles can ache due to causes discussed below. Pain in the joint is usually due to inflammation within the joint itself. Sometimes the symptoms are found in other facial structures, such as dull ear pain. This referred pain is fairly common but it is important to rule out a medical cause of these pains prior to TMD treatment. The degree to which each is involved is determined through thorough history and exam.