The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint of the jaw, located directly in front of the ears. Like any other joint in the human body, it can become inflamed, resulting in significant discomfort in the ear, jaw, neck, head, or over the joint itself. It is often caused by chronic chewing, teeth grinding, changes in dental bite, a broken and/or repaired jaw, but sometimes can be caused by nothing at all. Other symptoms associated with TMJ disorders may include ear pain, temple headaches, pain that travels behind the jaw, down the side of the neck and sometimes across the middle of the face.