Trauma to the jaws. Previous history of broken jaw or fractured facial bones. Stress frequently leads to unreleased nervous energy. It is very common for people under stress to release this nervous energy by either consciously or unconsciously grinding and clenching their teeth. Occupational tasks such as holding the telephone between the head and shoulder.
Symptoms tend to be chronic, and treatment is aimed at eliminating precipitating factors.
Many symptoms may not appear related to the TMJ itself. Pain is often made worse while opening and closing the jaw. Exposure to cold weather or air- conditioned air may increase muscle contraction and facial pain. The ear pain is usually described as being in front of or below the ear. Because ear pain occurs so commonly, ear specialists are frequently called on to make the diagnosis of a TMJ disorder.