Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temporomandibular_joint_disorder describes it as;
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD or TMD), or TMJ syndrome, is an umbrella term covering acute or chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the mandible to the skull. The disorder and resultant dysfunction can result in significant pain and impairment. Because the disorder transcends the boundaries between several health-care disciplines — in particular, dentistry and neurology — there are a variety of treatment approaches. Treatment is Restoration of the occlusal surfaces of the teeth or a Splint.
Pain relief comes drug, drugs, and more drugs, which often does not respond well. Alternative approach is you guessed it off-label use drugs. Tricyclic antidepressant that have anti-muscarinic properties (e.g. Amitriptyline or the less sedative Nortriptyline) generally prove more effective.[ In TMJD the muscles are unbalanced. Biofeedback using EMG is successful in balancing these muscles.
Long-term approach: Manual adjustment of the bite by grinding the teeth (occlusal adjustment). This, too, is not a widely accepted practice and should be avoided, as it is irreversible. Nighttime biofeedback for para-functional habit modification. Mandibular repositioning splints which move the jaw, ligaments and muscles into a new position and myofunctional therapy. Reconstructive dentistry, Orthodontics, Arthrocentesis (joint irrigation) or surgical repositioning of jaws to correct congenital jaw malformations such as prognathism and retrognathia. Finally there is replacement of the jaw joint(s) or disc(s) with TMJ implants (This should be considered only as a treatment of last resort.)
Confused? You should be! While this can be a complicated subject and treatment may require one off the aforementioned approaches, jaws problems are joints and joints should be seen by joint expects first. When it comes to conservative joint treatment, avoidance of drugs and unnecessary surgeries you can’t beat Chiropractic. http://www.altmd.com/Articles/Chiropractic-for-TMJ I have treated dozens of TMD cases, the key is early diagnosis and conservative treatment with an activator. The use of an Activator for TMD is explained in the Chiropractic treatment video http://www.vancouverwashingtonchiro.com/category/dr-keith-castilloux starting at 7 minutes. Visit our clinic on line at http://www.vancouverwashingtonchiro.com or come in to discuss your jaw pain issues with one of the doctors.

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