What is TMJ? The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects your lower jaw to your skull, right in front of your ears. This joint lets you chew, talk, and yawn. When something goes wrong with the TMJ, it can cause pain, headaches, and make it hard to move your jaw. TMJ problems are called TMJ disorders or TMD. They can affect one or both sides of your jaw and may cause pain, stiffness, or trouble moving your jaw. Causes of TMJ Disorders TMJ disorders can happen for several reasons: Jaw Injury: Getting hit in the jaw or having an accident can hurt the TMJ. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Grinding your teeth, especially at night, puts a lot of pressure on the joint. Stress: Stress can make you clench your jaw or grind your teeth, which strains the TMJ. Arthritis: Diseases like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can damage the joint. Misaligned Bite: If your teeth don’t fit together right, your jaw has to work harder, which can cause pain over time. Symptoms of TMJ Disorders TMJ disorders can cause different symptoms, including: Jaw pain or tenderness, especially when chewing or talking Clicking or popping sounds when you open or close your mouth (sometimes with pain) Trouble opening your mouth wide Headaches, especially around your temples or forehead Ear pain or a feeling of fullness in your ears (even if there’s no infection) Soreness in your face, especially in your cheeks and temples Symptoms can come and go or get worse over time. If your symptoms are severe or persist, you should see a doctor or dentist.

Yoga is an ancient, spiritual and traditional form of exercise that enhances strength, flexibility and breathing. The practice of yoga originated in India and dates back 5,000 years, when it was traditionally used for spiritual and physical well-being. There are many different types of yoga, including Ashtanga, Iyengar and Sivananda, which focus on different body areas, such as breathing or posture. No style is necessarily better than the other, and you may have developed your own yoga practice depending on your needs. Together, these can help strengthen physical and mental well-being, especially when practised regularly.

What Is Menopausal Joint Pain? Menopause is a natural part of the ageing process. While most people associate it with hot flushes and mood swings, joint pain is also common. Sometimes referred to as "menopausal arthritis," this condition can cause pain in the knees, hips, neck, hands, and shoulders, making daily activities more challenging and reducing overall quality of life.

This is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. It can be caused by factors such as poor posture, injury, or worsening conditions like arthritis. However, not many people are aware that spinal problems can also impact digestion. This is because the central nervous system (CNS) plays a significant role in controlling the movement and function of the muscles and organs in the digestive system. When the CNS is disrupted, it can lead to digestive problems. Also, spinal misalignments can cause nerve pinchs that affect the communication between the CNS and the digestive system. This can lead to further digestive issues, such as a loss of appetite. It is important to note that not all digestive issues are caused by spinal problems. However, if you have back pain and digestive problems, you should talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you determine whether your symptoms are related to spinal issues and suggest appropriate treatment options.\ \ Back pain is a common issue that can affect people of different ages and backgrounds. It can be caused by a number of things. This includes poor posture when lifting, injuries, and common conditions like rheumatoid or osteoarthritis. Many people do not realise that problems with the spine may also lead to digestive secondary symptoms. The spinal cord is part of the central nervous system and plays a role in digestion. When there are changes in the peripheral nervous system or if the central nervous system is interrupted, it can cause digestive problems like abdominal pain, bloating, gas, constipation and even diarrhoea. Additionally, spinal misalignment may cause a strain in the connection between the nerves and the digestive system. This strain can lead to secondary issues such as heartburn, acid reflux, diarrhoea, and a loss of appetite. However, to be clear, not all digestive problems are related to the spine and is not a major cause of these as well. If you have back pain along with digestive issues, it’s worth seeing your doctor. They can help you find out if these symptoms are connected to spinal problems and suggest if there is appropriate treatments.

The shoulder is a complex joint that can move in multiple directions and carry significant loads. But its versatility can put it under stress and make it prone to injury. We need to look after it to prevent any injury, but still enable it to carry out requirements for sports and work. Let’s talk you through the steps you can take to prevent shoulder injury. We’ll also outline any investigations used to assess injury, and techniques to aid recovery.

Are you a big gamer or spending hours at your PC or laptop? Here are our top tips on how to avoid repetitive strain injury (RSI) and advice on what to do if it starts to develop.

Living with psoriatic arthritis affecting the elbow can be challenging. It brings ongoing pain and discomfort and limits how well you can move your arm. It's crucial to grasp what's going on with this condition, especially if it's affecting your elbow. Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis caused by the body's immune system acting up. It causes swelling and pain in the joints, including the elbow. Interestingly, it's often seen alongside the skin condition psoriasis, showing how it affects not just the joints but the skin, too.

Living with psoriatic arthritis is tough. It's not just joint pain – it can affect many parts of your life. One thing that doesn't get talked about much is how it can mess with your nervous system. This adds even more complexity to an already tricky disease. For people dealing with psoriatic arthritis, the idea of having neurological problems can be worrying. However, understanding these issues is super important for managing the condition well.

Are you feeling worn out lately? If you have psoriatic arthritis (PsA), these feelings are most likely very familiar for you. Fatigue from PsA is a common issue that affects everyday life. Imagine waking up, feeling drained even after a full night’s sleep. Simple tasks can sometimes seem overwhelming and things get tougher throughout the day because of this. This is the often the reality for many people with PsA. So, what causes tiredness in arthritis? Research indicates that 5 to 8 out of 10 people with inflammatory arthritis often face fatigue that doesn’t normally match their activity levels. The swelling caused by PsA can cause sleep issues and reduce energy levels, leading to tiredness. Working out the connection is essential for management. By looking at the root cause and symptoms of PsA-related fatigue, we can find better ways to tackle it. In the next sections, we will explore possible treatment options, management, and other possible causes for fatigue.

Living with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) can be challenging, not just because of joint pain and stiffness, but also due to the potential impact on other areas of the body, including the eyes. For many individuals with PsA, eye symptoms may not be immediately linked to their arthritis, leading to confusion and concern. Commonly affected joints include the elbows and ankles, where inflammation can cause significant pain and restrict movement. Moreover, some individuals may experience neurological complications such as peripheral neuropathy, which can add another layer of complexity to managing PsA. Understanding how PsA can affect your eyes is crucial for managing your overall health and seeking appropriate care. This guide aims to clarify the connection between PsA and eye symptoms, helping you identify whether your eye discomfort could be related to your arthritis and what steps you can take for relief.

The shoulder is a complex ball and socket joint that allows more movement than any other joint in the body. Movement involves an impressive number of muscles, tendons and ligaments, with bones and minor joints sitting alongside. As such, we can overuse it, especially in sports or physical work tasks and it’s prone to injury. Let’s talk you through some common injuries, so you can recognise when to seek help. As a general rule, if it’s persisted for more than 2 weeks without improvement, it’s best to get a professional opinion – you can book with your doctor or a physiotherapist. Your doctor may allow direct access to NHS physiotherapists.

Living with arthritis can be challenging, and understanding the wide range of symptoms is crucial for effective management. Arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), is known to cause various nail changes due to the inflammation and immune system dysfunction associated with the disease. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and potential joint deformity. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterised by the breakdown of cartilage and the underlying bone within a joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. While joint pain and stiffness are well-known symptoms, OA can also affect all body parts, including the nails.