Your temporomandibular joints are connected to your skull and jawbone and are some of the most sensitive joints found in the human body. Muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones work in tandem to control the movement of your jaw. When something impedes jaw movement, it results in a painful TMJ disorder characterized by swelling and discomfort. Temporomandibular joint disorders are commonly caused by injuries, dislocations, stress from teeth grinding, orthodontics issues, tooth and jaw misalignments, and rheumatoid arthritis. Chronic gum chewing, bad posture, nail-biting, ill-fitting dental crowns or dentures, and genetics may also play a significant role. People between the ages of 20 and 40 are most likely to develop TMJ disorders, with women being about four times more likely than men to develop this painful condition.