TMJ stands for temporo mandibular joints or jaw joints.

Often people have problems with their jaw joints. This usually takes place in the form of clicking and popping which represents the articular disc being displaced out of position. In a normal situation it should be interposed between the two bones of the joint.

A popping and clicking joint is often known as a reducing dislocation.

When the jaws are closed the disc is out of position and pops into place on opening. When a joint is dislocated the surrounding muscles go into spasm. This causes an imbalance in other associated muscles leading to head neck and back pain.

Closed lock. This is where the disc is out of place all of the time so there is no cushion between the bones;
consequently arthritic changes can take place in the joint

The muscles around the joint tend to spasm as a result of the derangement. This can lead to headaches and migraines neck and back pain.