TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint. It’s an important joint formed by your skull and your jaw bone and involves the muscles needed for chewing.  Common signs of problems with the TMJ are popping, clicking, muscle tenderness, joint tenderness, or being unable to open your jaw as wide as possible. 

 

Things that can increase your risk of developing TMJ problems are jaw injury, stress, or grinding and clenching of teeth (often at night).  Spinal manipulative therapy, myofascial release, low level laser therapy, and exercises have also been shown to reduce pain and symptoms.