Jaw Complaints
Jaw complaints cover any problem related to poor functioning of the jaw or the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint). These complaints often cause pain in and around the joint, and frequently refer pain towards the ear and into the ear itself.
The jaw joint is an extremely complex joint located between the jawbone and the base of the skull, sitting just in front of the left and right ear. It is one of the most intricately structured joints in the human body, surrounded by a complex network of ligaments and tendons and a large number of muscles that operate the jaw. If even one of the joint's structures is affected, this can have a major impact on how the jaw functions and become a significant source of trouble for the patient.
For example, if the disc (a small piece of cartilage comparable to the kneecap) is not sitting correctly, the jaw may not open far enough, or it may not close properly. The muscles can also become overly tense, which in turn can trigger severe headaches. The jaw muscles are among the strongest muscles in the body.