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Living with TMJ Disorders – A Team Approach

My wife Elizabeth and I have been living with TMJ Disorders for the last 28 years. Yes, I say... Read more

In with the New, Stuck with the Old

I send hearty congratulations to Deanne, TMJA's project coordinator, and to Danny and Susan of... Read more

Diagnosing Your TMJD

Aug 12, 2010

How Are TMJ Disorders Diagnosed?

Currently there is no scientifically validated test available to correctly diagnose TMJ disorders.  Because the exact causes and symptoms are not clear, identifying these disorders can be difficult and confusing. Currently, diagnosis is based on patient's description of symptoms, history and examination of the head, neck, face, and jaw.

If you suspect that you have a TMJ problem or are diagnosed with one, we suggest you initially consult your primary care physician to rule out other illnesses as a cause of your symptoms. Facial pain can be a symptom of many other conditions, such as a sinus or ear infections, various types of headaches, facial neuralgias (nerve-related facial pain), and even tumors. Ruling out these problems first helps in identifying TMJ Disorders.

Many TMJ patients see multiple healthcare providers in their search for answers. This list includes: primary care physicians, dentists, sleep specialists, ear, nose and throat specialists, neurologists, endocrinologists, rheumatologists, pain specialists and chiropractors.

NOTE: Before undergoing costly diagnostic tests, get an independent opinion from another healthcare provider not associated with your current provider.

Articles of Interest:

What Conditions May Produce Similar Signs and Symptoms as TMJ Disorders?

Conditions that may produce similar signs and symptoms as TMJ Disorders (pain and/or jaw dysfunction) and can lead to misdiagnosis include:

  • Atypical (vascular) neuralgia
  • Hypo- and hyperkinesia (abnormal jaw movements)
  • Lyme disease
  • Myositis (muscle inflammation)
  • Myositis ossificans (calcification in a muscle)
  • Otitis (earache)
  • Parotitis (salivary gland inflammation)
  • Scleroderma (chronic hardening of the skin)
  • Sinusitis
  • Temporal arteritis (inflammation of the temporal artery)
  • Toothache
  • Trigeminal neuralgia
  • Trotter's syndrome (nasopharyngeal carcinoma)

Progression of TMJ Disorders:

Most people with TMJ problems have relatively mild or periodic symptoms. Some TMJ problems improve on their own, without treatment, within weeks or months with simple home therapy. For others, symptoms worsen over time and develop into long-term, persistent and debilitating pain.

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This Web site is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This Web site is not a substitute for such advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always consult your doctor if you have questions about your health condition or before starting any treatment. The TMJA is unable to provide doctor referrals and does not endorse any particular health care professional or organization. Reliance on any information provided by TMJA, TMJA employees, others appearing on the Web site at the invitation of TMJA, or other visitors to the Web site is solely at your own risk.