TMD Pain Screener Questionnaire

Do I Have a TMJ Disorder?

One of the most common questions we hear is: “How do I know if I have TMJ?”

First, let’s clear up a common misunderstanding. TMJ simply stands for temporomandibular joint—the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. Everyone has two TMJs (just like you have two knees and two shoulders).

What most people mean when they say “I have TMJ” is actually TMJ disorder, or TMD. This refers to tension, pain, or dysfunction in and around the jaw joint and its surrounding muscles.

So how do you know if you might have TMD?

A Simple Questionnaire That’s 92% Accurate

There’s a validated screening tool that can predict with up to 92% accuracy whether someone has a TMJ disorder. By answering just a few questions, you can get a clearer picture of what may be happening with your jaw.

Here are the questions to ask yourself:

In the last 30 days:

• Have you had pain in your jaw or temple area on either side?

• Have you had pain or stiffness in your jaw on awakening?

• Did chewing hard or tough food change any pain (that is, make it better or make it worse) in your jaw or temple area on either side?

• Did opening your mouth or moving your jaw forward or to the side change any pain (that is, make it better or make it worse) in your jaw or temple area on either side?

• Did jaw habits such as holding teeth together, clenching/grinding, or chewing gum change any pain (that is, make it better or make it worse) in your jaw or temple area on either side?

• Did other jaw activities such as talking, kissing, or yawning change any pain (that is, make it better or make it worse) in your jaw or temple area on either side?

If you answered “yes” to at least 3 of these questions, there’s a strong chance you may have TMD.

Don’t Worry—Help Is Available

The good news is that the first line of care for TMD is conservative, non-surgical treatment. Surgery is rarely needed. Specialized physical therapists, like our team here at ReviveTMJ, are trained specifically to help with TMJ disorders.

With the right guidance, many people experience relief through:

• Gentle manual therapy

• Targeted exercises

• Pain management and habit education

Take the First Step Toward Relief

If you suspect you may have a TMJ disorder, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to live with jaw pain or dysfunction. At ReviveTMJ, we specialize in evidence-based treatment designed to get you back to eating, talking, and living comfortably again.