Arthralgia or Arthritis of the Jaw Joint

Just like any other joint in the human body, the jaw joint can also malfunction. The most frequent problem is temporary arthritis (=inflammation of the joint), i.e. an inflammation of the various structures of the joint.

This typically manifests itself as a pain felt just in front of the ear that can easily be mistaken for earache. Since pain is the main noticeable symptom, the early stages of arthritis are also described as arthralgia (pain in the joints). The pain is generally light, stabbing and distinct.

The pain can become worse with any movement of the jaw, particularly chewing, speaking or yawning. Arthritis of the jaw joint is not a rare disorder and can occur at any time without there being any recognisable reason. Fortunately, arthritis of the jaw joint generally disappears completely of its own accord within a few days or weeks.

So, arthritis is generally a benign and self-limiting phenomenon. Any need for treatment is therefore based entirely on the wishes of the patient.

Appropriate therapy measures are the temporary treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen and Voltaren, an occlusal splint worn at night and physiotherapy. Especially chronic pain can be treated with Pamitoylethanolamid (PEA), a food supplement, which you can buy without a prescription. It shows significant positive effects on reducing pain in the temporomandibular joint.