Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) causes pain in the muscles and joints that connect the lower jawbone (mandible) to the skull. These flexible muscles and joints are right in front of the ears. They are needed to talk, chew, swallow, and yawn.

Pain and tension in the muscles around the TM joint can cause tension in the muscles of the face, head, neck, and shoulders. Muscle tension may also cause headaches.