TMJ Pain Relief by Cher Hunter, MA, CMT, RYT Pain Relief Therapies It is estimated that over 30 million people in the US suffer from TMJ pain and it can be a most frustrating and painful condition.  The TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is where the jaw bone connects to the skull.  Sometimes referred to as TMJ Syndrome, or TMD – Temporomandibular Disorder, TMJ problems usually begin as discomfort in the jaw muscles and often lead to headaches, hearing problems and pain while chewing and speaking.