The exact cause of TMJ syndrome is not known. In fact, there seem to be a number of possible underlying causes. Some cases may have their origin in the way the jaw is structured, especially if there is malocclusion.

Some cases may be caused by sudden injury to the joint--for example, fractures or dislocations, such as might occur if the jaw is forced to open too widely while dental procedures are performed. And some cases seem to be the result of degenerative or inflammatory joint diseases, such as arthritis.

Professionals who treat TMJ syndrome also suspect that some cases are caused by poor mouth habits, such as chewing on hard objects, resting the jaw on the hands for prolonged periods, or clenching the jaw and grinding the teeth. Certain musical instruments, like the violin and the trumpet, are also implicated in some cases because they can stress the jaw by forcing it into unnatural positions for extended periods of time.

In most cases, chronic stress leading to chronic habitual muscle tension and even to muscle spasms seems to be a significant contributor to TMJ syndrome.

Most doctors and dentists recommend treatment approaches that target the symptoms, rather than more drastic approaches such as surgery. Treatment programs for TMJ syndrome depend on the nature of the underlying causes of the condition, but most include some sort of counseling and training in stress-reduction and relaxation techniques, to eliminate stress-related factors that so often contribute to the dysfunction.

Biofeedback, meditation, yoga, hypnosis, and breathing exercises are among the techniques that have shown positive results.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen are often recommended to relieve pain and to counteract inflammation of the temporomandibular joint.

The easiet way to relieve from the pain is hot-compress. Many people get relief from using hot compresses. For some, exercise programs can improve jaw alignment and functioning. Bite plates or other devices intended to realign the jaw are often used as well, but there is no consensus on their efficacy among those who treat TMJ syndrome.