Internal derangement of the joint occurs when the cartilage disc folds or gets catches the joint structure whilst opening and closing the jaw. This causes pain, locking and clicking, this may be due to the disc being attached to muscles that assist in opening the mouth known as the lateral pterygoids as a result the tight jaw musculature can also be the cause of dysfunction. The causes of tight jaw can be as because of grinding your teeth or chewing gum excessively. It’s important to know that clicking alone (crepitus) is not a cause for concern.

Signs and Symptoms

• Pain
• Cracking / clicking noise (crepitus)
• Locking of the jaw
• Jaw stiffness