What Causes Bilateral TMJ—and Why Bilateral TMJ Injections May Help Both Sides

Pain or discomfort in the jaw can start subtly—perhaps as a clicking sound while chewing or tightness near the ears when waking. For some people, these symptoms may develop into a more persistent condition known as temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). TMD is an umbrella term that includes various disorders affecting the temporomandibular joints (TMJs)—the joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull. These joints play a crucial role in everyday functions, such as speaking, chewing, and yawning.