The temporomandibular joint acts like a sliding hinge that’s the link from your skull into the jawbone. TMJ can be caused by your genetics, injury to the jaw or even arthritis. Nocturnal tooth grinding and clenching can also play a role, though tooth grinders don’t always develop TMJ. Frequent complaints include stiffness, pain, clicking sounds that are audible to others and even having your jaw lock up from time to time.

It might even extend to a dull pain around the ear and back of the head. Chewing may cause pain as well. These are all a consequence of the jaw itself becoming misaligned. Over the years if not corrected adhesions can form in the muscle keeping the jaw out of place.