Welcome to The TMJ Association!

We're glad you're here. You're not alone.

The TMJ Association, Ltd. (TMJA) is a nonprofit, patient advocacy organization whose mission is to improve the quality of health care and lives of everyone affected by Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD). For over 25 years we have shared reliable information on TMD with people like you and invite you to read our website.

Terrie Cowley - President and Co-Founder

Think You May Have Temporomandibular Disorders?

1) FIRST, try eating soft foods, using ice packs, and avoiding extreme jaw movements, like yawning and gum chewing. Short-term use of over-the-counter or prescription pain medicines may also provide relief.

2) AVOID treatments that cause permanent changes in the bite or jaw. This includes crown work, bridge work or orthodontics to change the bite, grinding down teeth (bite adjustment), or repositioning splints.

3) AVOID surgical treatment, where possible. There have been no long-term studies to test the safety and effectiveness of these procedures.

Click here to read the National Institutes of Health brochure on Temporomandibular Disorders

The TMJ Association is acting as the catalyst to develop the TMJ Patient RoundTable, a broad initiative to advance the interests of patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

The TMJ Patient RoundTable is also the first patient-led project to be conducted under the auspices of the Medical Device Epidemiology Network (MDEpiNet), a public-private partnership developed to bring real--world data-patient experiences together with a broad array of experts to conduct studies aimed at improving outcomes for implant patients worldwide. The unique aspect of the RoundTable initiative is its patient-centeredness and in that regard, we expect to involve you, the TMJ patients, in aspects of the project as it enfolds. Click here to read the latest update on the TMJ RoundTable project.

The TMJ Association is the only organization fighting for the best science that will lead to a greater understanding of Temporomandibular Disorders and safe and effective treatments. As a nonprofit, 501(c)3 patient advocacy organization, we rely solely on the generous donations from people like you to fund vital TMD research and awareness efforts. Double your gift today with a corporate matching contribution! For additional ways you can help, click here.

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Graeme's Story

I am a 39-year-old TMJD sufferer living in Sydney, Australia. I was first diagnosed with TMJD in approximately 2003 after being concerned about my frequent headaches in the temple region. I suffered with debilitating headaches as a child and then from adolescence through to adulthood. When I was about 6 years old, I fell from the top of a 20ft waterfall onto rocks below. I now wonder if that or other childhood injuries were a contributing factor to my TMJD.
This is my story.

Consider Including the TMJA in Your Financial Planning

We were recently contacted by Tom P. who informed us that he was including The TMJ Association (TMJA), in his financial planning. Tom wrote the following for us to share with our readers:

The Scoop on TMD Pharmaceuticals

Let's say the National Institutes of Health just handed us a multi-million dollar grant to get to the bottom of TMD and find a cure once and for all. I mean, we could start handing out heating pads left and right, but that kind of relief can only get us so far. Whenever I try a different form of therapy or medication, I like to think about the biology, right down to the cellular and molecular level. Why are the cells that make up my jaw region being such jerks?

Join Us AT TMJ Cafe

The TMJ Association is pleased to partner with Inspire to bring you the TMJ Cafe, a free online support network and discussion community for those with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD). We invite you to meet others like you, share experiences and tips for getting through the day, and give and receive support.

Sustained and Repeated Mouth Opening Leads to Development of Painful Temporomandibular Disorders Involving Macrophage/Microglia Activation in Mice

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a set of heterogeneous musculoskeletal conditions involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and/or the masticatory muscles. Up to 33% of the population has had at least one symptom of TMD with 5-10% of them requiring treatment. Common symptoms include limited jaw movement, joint sound, and pain in the orofacial area. Once TMD becomes chronic, it can be debilitating with comorbidities that greatly reduce one's overall quality of life. However, the underlying mechanism of TMD is unclear due to the multicausative nature of the disease.

Prevalence of TMD in Sjӧgren Syndrome Patients

Sjӧgren's Syndrome seems to play a role in temporomandibular joint disorders.

Who is affected by TMJ disorders (TMD)? What are the causes, symptoms, and treatments? How are they diagnosed? Find answers to all your TMD questions.