Living With TMDWho is affected by TMJ disorders (TMD)? What are the causes, symptoms, and treatments? How are they diagnosed? Find answers to all your TMD questions.
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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Janelle's Story
I had probably been dealing with TMD for two years before I first took action in the Fall of 2008. It started out as severe ear pain that I noticed most when I ran outside. I thought it might be caused by the wind, so I would wrap my ears with an athletic band and wear headphones. Finally, the pain was so intense and persistent that I decided to visit an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist. When the ENT reported nothing abnormal in my ears, I think he could tell how confused and disappointed I was. Fortunately, he did something different. He pressed two gloved fingers firmly on the insides of my cheeks. When I yelped out in pain, he explained that the issue was actually my temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, and that TMJ pain often presents as ear pain. He then informed me that he could not treat me and referred me to my dentist.This is my story.
Read a selection of touching stories submitted by those experiencing TMD – learn how others cope with issues many patients face.
What are the TMJA science meetings all about? We've held eight such meetings to date and issued a TMJ Science journal for each.