• Shop Skincare
    • SkinMedica
    • ZO Skin Health
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet the Doctor
    • Financing
    • Reviews
    • Out Of Town Program
    • Photographic Instructions
    • Patient Resources
    • FAQ
    • CosmetAssure
  • Cosmetic Procedures
    • Face
      • Brow Lift
      • Chin Surgery
      • Ear Pinning Surgery
      • Endoscopic Brow Lift in Murfreesboro, TN
      • Eyelid Surgery
      • Facelift in Murfreesboro, TN
      • Facial Implants
      • Fat Grafting
      • Neck Lift
    • Breast
      • Breast Augmentation in Murfreesboro, TN
      • Breast Lift in Murfreesboro, TN
      • Breast Lift with Implants in Murfreesboro, TN
      • Breast Reduction in Murfreesboro, TN
      • Breast Reconstruction
      • Breast Implant Removal in Murfreesboro, TN
      • Breast Implant Removal FAQ
      • Breast Revision Surgery
    • Body
      • Upper Arm Lift
      • Body Contouring after Weight Loss
      • Body Lift in Murfreesboro, TN
      • Liposuction in Murfreesboro, TN
      • Breast Reduction for Men
      • Thigh Lift
      • Tumescent Technique
      • Tummy Tuck in Murfreesboro, TN
      • Brazilian Butt Lift
      • Labiaplasty
      • Lipedema Treatment in Murfreesboro, TN
    • Mommy Makeover in Murfreesboro, TN
    • Procedures for Men
      • Aesthetic Services for Men
      • Gynecomastia
      • Before and After
  • Non-surgical
    • BOTOX
    • BodyTone
    • CoolSculpting Elite® in Murfreesboro, TN
    • Injectable Fillers
    • Laser Skin Resurfacing
    • Micro-Needling
    • SkinMedica Skincare
    • PRP Treatments
    • ZO Skin Health
    • MOXI® Laser Treatments in Murfreesboro, TN
    • RF Microneedling in Murfreesboro, TN
    • Sciton BBL® HERO in Murfreesboro, TN
  • Before and After
  • Specials
  • Blog
  • Contact

Tarola Plastic Surgery

Plastic Surgery Murfreesboro Nashville & Hendersonville

Patient Portal Out of Town Program Payment Plans
Shop Skincare
Schedule a Consultation
615-624-8914
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • tiktok
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • youtube

What is TMJ

Since we recently started treatment for TMJ at our office, we’ve been bombarded with all kinds of questions about what exactly is TMJ and how to treat it.  Here’s some basic information, courtesy of WebMD on What is TMJ and what causes it and what are the symptoms.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) occur as a result of problems with the jaw, jaw joint and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw. These disorders are often incorrectly called TMJ, which stands for  temporomandibular joint.

What Is the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge joint that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull, which is immediately in front of the ear on each side of your head. The joints are flexible, allowing the jaw to move smoothly up and down and side to side and enabling you to talk, chew, and yawn. Muscles attached to and surrounding the jaw joint control the position and movement of the jaw.

What Causes TMD?

The cause of TMD is not clear, but dentists believe that symptoms arise from problems with the muscles of the jaw or with the parts of the joint itself.

Injury to the jaw, temporomandibular joint, or muscles of the head and neck – such as from a heavy blow or whiplash – can cause TMD. Other possible causes include:

  • Grinding or clenching the teeth, which puts a lot of pressure on the TMJ
  • Dislocation of the soft cushion or disc between the ball and socket
  • Presence of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the TMJ
  • Stress, which can cause a person to tighten facial and jaw muscles or clench the teeth

What Are the Symptoms of TMD?

People with TMD can experience severe pain and discomfort that can be temporary or last for many years. More women than men experience TMD, and TMD is seen most commonly in people between the ages of 20 and 40.

Common symptoms of TMD include:

  • Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders, and in or around the ear when you chew, speak, or open your mouth wide
  • Limited ability to open the mouth very wide
  • Jaws that get “stuck” or “lock” in the open- or closed-mouth position
  • Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth (which may or may not be accompanied by pain) or chewing
  • A tired feeling in the face
  • Difficulty chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite – as if the upper and lower teeth are not fitting together properly
  • Swelling on the side of the face
  • May occur on one or both sides of the face

Other common symptoms of TMD include toothaches, headaches, neck aches, dizziness, earaches, hearing problems, upper shoulder pain, and ringing in the ears (tinnitis).

Filed Under: Facial Surgeon Tagged With: facial surgery

Schedule a Consultation

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
View this profile on Instagram

Nicholas A Tarola, MD (@tarolaplasticsurgery) • Instagram photos and videos

Hours of Operation

  • Monday 8am - 5pm
  • Tuesday 8am - 5pm
  • Wednesday 8am - 5pm
  • Thursday 8am - 5pm
  • Friday 8am - 5pm
    **Afternoon hours may vary**


Murfreesboro
1216 N. Maple Street, Suite 1
Murfreesboro, TN, 37130
615-624-8914
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • linkedin
  • youtube
Accessibility Statement

Like Us on Facebook

Tarola Plastic Surgery



*Unless otherwise stated, models are used throughout this website. Individual Results may vary.

Board Certified

Cosmet Assure
Cosmet Assure
ultherapy

Recent Posts

  • Who Is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
  • What Specific Areas Does CoolSculpting Target Effectively?
  • Understanding Lipedema: A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management
  • 7 Reasons to Consider Getting a Brow Lift
  • How Can BOTOX Improve Asymmetrical Facial Features?
  • What Is Kybella Used for?
  • How Does BOTOX Work?
© 2025 Crystal Clear Digital Marketing | Site Map | TOS/Privacy Policy | Tarola Plastic Surgery