Definition of Syndrome, temporomandibular joint Syndrome,
temporomandibular joint: Disorder of the temporo-mandibular
joint (TMJ) causing pain usually in front of the ear. Pain in
the TMJ can be due to trauma (such as a blow to the face),
inflammatory or degenerative arthritis, or by the mandible being
pushed back towards the ears whenever the patient chews or
swallows. Sometimes, muscles around the TMJ used for chewing can
go into spasm, causing head and neck pain and difficulty opening
the mouth normally. Last Editorial Review: 6/14/2012 Back to
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