This month, we’re highlighting the important connection between Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) and Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs). While painful conditions like fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome are often seen alongside TMDs, research has shown that connective tissue disorders—particularly EDS—are also more common among TMD patients than previously understood.
EDS, which affects an estimated 7 million Americans, is a group of inherited disorders that impact connective tissue. It is characterized by symptoms such as joint hypermobility, fragile skin, and tissue fragility, often accompanied by chronic pain. These connective tissue differences can contribute to joint instability and dysfunction—including in the jaw—placing individuals at increased risk for TMDs.
Lisa Schmidt, TMJA Board Member and patient advocate, was diagnosed with EDS at age 47. Her tireless advocacy earned her an invitation to speak at The Ehlers-Danlos Society’s Global Learning Conference in August 2022, where she helped raise awareness about TMDs within the EDS community. During her presentation, Lisa shared her personal journey living with both conditions, highlighting the overlapping challenges and underscoring the urgent need for greater awareness and collaboration across patient communities.
Click here to watch Lisa’s presentation.