How painful is the typical temporomandibular joint disorder?

TMJ: Degree and perception of pain varies from person to person.

Depends: Sometimes it can be very painful sometimes not painful at all. There may be clicking or popping with or without pain. At times the jaw can lock open.

Can be painful: Tmj, temporomandibular joint disorder can cause pain in the joint at rest or while chewing. Typical management includes soft diet, use of antiinflammatories like Motrin and warm compress. If pain persists, see your provider or an oral maxillofacial surgeon for work-up and additional management.

Variable: Very variable. Sometimes no pain. Sometimes debilitating pain.