TMJ, short for temporomandibular joints, is a nickname for the small joints in front of each of your ears that attach your lower jaw to your skull. When working properly, these joints allow you to perform functions like opening and closing your mouth, chewing, speaking, and swallowing.
The functions of these joints have a large impact on your quality of life, but, unfortunately, TMJ disorder is a very common condition among adults. Headaches, migraines, earaches, and irritating conditions, such as a popping jaw, usually accompany TMJ disorder. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s possible that you are one of the millions of Americans suffering from TMJ disorder.