Hi Friends! I’m Priya Mistry the TMJ doc and today I’m going to talk to you about TMJ Terminology.
What is TMJD? What is TMJ? What is TMD? Are they all different? Are they all the same? Can they all
be used interchangeably? If you watch this video until the end, YOU will have the answers to these
questions and more! That being said, if you’re looking for more information on TMJ Disorders,
then this is the YouTube channel for you. Be sure to hit that Subscribe button
as I post a new informational video every Friday for people who are suffering from TMJ Disorders.
For those of you who don’t know me, I’m a general dentist with a practice
in Portland, Oregon where we are dedicated to taking care of patients with TMJ disorders.
I work here with my wonderful mentor, Dr. Arthur L Parker. Please check out the links
below if you want to hang out with me on my other social media platforms, especially Instagram.
I post lots of useful information, particularly on Instagram, about TMJ disorders,
tips, trivia, etc.. for all of you who like to nerd out on TMJ information like I do!
So let’s get right into it! What’s the difference between TMJD, TMJ
and TMD and what do they all stand for?
First - TMJD stands for TMJ Disorders with TMJ being Temporomandibular Joints.
I use TMJD as a blanket term to cover all signs and symptoms that come along with it-
headaches, neck pain, ear-related concerns, jaw pain, shoulder pain, clicking, popping,
crackling noises in the jaw joints, and episodes of the jaw locking.
Second - The term “TMJ” stands for Temporomandibular Joints and it is NOT
a diagnosis. The way I use "TMJ" is when I'm referring to problems WITHIN the joint.
These issues will manifest as clicking, popping, crackling or snapping noises within the joint
or episodes of the jaw actually locking. These issues within the joint are typically
not what’s driving the pain that comes along with TMJ Disorders, and that leads us to TMD.
Third - TMD. “TMD” stands for Temporomandibular Disorder or Dysfunction. TMD recognizes that
there’s a group of muscles that work together to guide and support the jaw.
If or when these muscles become dysfunctional, they get trapped in a chronic pain and spasm
cycle. So TMD - these dysfunctional muscles - that is typically what is driving the pain and
it leads to headaches, ear-related concerns - tinnitus, vertigo, hearing loss, ear pain and
more - jaw pain, neck pain, and even numbness or tingling in the face or the fingertips.
Pro Tip: Don’t say “I have TMJ” because all it means is “I have Temporomandibular Joint”,
and really - we all do. You have TMJ, I have TMJ, and we all
actually have 2 TMJs! When you say “I have TMJ” it automatically implies that you don’t really know
what TMJ Disorders are since “TMJ” is not really a diagnosis.
Quick Recap: TMJD includes all the signs and symptoms, it's all encompassing. TMJ is not
a diagnosis. The way I use it, though - I am referring to problems within the joint itself.
TMD is all about the dysfunctional muscles that surround and support the jaw.
So that’s really it my friends. I hope this video helped to clarify some of the terminology
that's often thrown about and used very loosely but can leave people confused.
If you like what you heard or learned something new, click “Like” below,
Subscribe to my channel, do all the things! As always, questions and comments are welcome in the
comment box below. And remember, my friends, you can never have TMI about TMJ! Thank you!