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This guide will help you to know what to expect as you work with your healthcare team to manage and treat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.
You will have your own unique journey with TMJ dysfunction. How you move through your journey, the number of visits with your healthcare team, the steps you will take, and the order you take them in will depend on your needs. You will make decisions in partnership with your healthcare team. Always follow your healthcare team’s advice.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is in front of each ear, where your lower jawbone meets your skull (temporal bone).
TMJ dysfunction is the name given to various conditions that can cause pain, clicking, or movement problems around your jaw and the muscles surrounding it.
The exact cause of TMJ dysfunction can be hard to determine and can be a combination of things. Common causes include:
The whole-person health approach will help you and your healthcare team better manage your health condition.
Whole-person health draws from the teachings of the medicine wheel. It means thinking about all parts of your health and wellness:
These parts are all connected and impact each other. It’s important to be aware of your personal needs in each part and to share that information with your healthcare team. Your healthcare team needs to understand who you are and what matters to you.
For more information about TMJ dysfunction, see:
Download or print the full patient pathway (PDF) and summary (one-page PDF) to learn more about how to manage and treat TMJ dysfunction.Patient Pathway Summary
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