TMJ explained as painful condition sees Zoe Ball quit radio show

The much-loved radio and TV host has said she suffers from temporomandibular joint disorder

BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball has revealed she wakes up most days with “awful headaches” due to a health condition which causes pain in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. In an Instagram post, she said she had a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, which affects the movement of the jaw, according to the NHS.

The 54-year-old announced earlier this month she was stepping down from hosting Radio 2’s Breakfast show after six years, with Scott Mills set to take over the slot. Discussing her condition, she wrote: “I have TMJ and wake most days with awful headaches from tension & jaw clenching.”

Ball shared a photo of her face tensed before receiving treatment and an after shot of it more relaxed, saying she was “so grateful” to the clinic which has helped her. Symptoms of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) include pain around your jaw, ear and temple, a headache around your temples and difficulty opening your mouth fully, according to the NHS website.

Ball revealed on her BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show on November 19 that she felt it was time for her to “step away from the very early mornings and focus on family”.

The radio DJ, who took over presenting the morning programme in 2019 from Chris Evans, will host the show for the last time on December 20. Mills, who currently hosts Radio 2’s weekday afternoon programme from 2-4pm, will begin fronting the programme from early January.

Ball took a break from hosting her show over the summer, returning in September, and in April this year announced the death of her mother Julia Peckham. She was previously married to Norman Cook, known as Fatboy Slim, and the pair have two children together, son Woody Fred Cook, born in 2000, and daughter Nelly who was born in 2010.

Ball was the BBC’s highest-paid on-air female presenter in 2023/24 with a salary between £950,000 and £954,999, ranking her second on the list of top-earning talent behind Gary Lineker, according to the corporation’s annual report published in July. She was the first female host of the Radio 1 Breakfast Show in 1998, a post she held until 2000, and she also co-hosted the BBC’s Saturday morning children’s magazine Live & Kicking alongside Jamie Theakston for three years from 1996.

What is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) refers to a group of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joints, which connect your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull. These joints are crucial for movements like chewing, speaking, and yawning. When there’s a problem with the TMJ, it can lead to discomfort and various symptoms.

Common Causes of TMJ Disorders

1. Jaw Injury: Trauma to the jaw or joint area.
2. Arthritis: Conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis affecting the joint.
3. Bruxism: Habitual clenching or grinding of the teeth, often during sleep.
4. Misaligned Bite: Issues with how the teeth fit together.
5. Stress: Leading to tension in the jaw muscles.
6. Connective Tissue Disorders: Conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome that affect joint stability.

Symptoms

• Pain or tenderness in the jaw.
• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the joint during movement.
• Difficulty or discomfort while chewing.
• Locking of the joint, making it hard to open or close the mouth.
• Headaches, earaches, or neck pain related to jaw strain.
• Swelling on the side of the face.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves:

1. Physical Examination: Checking for pain, movement range, and sounds in the joint.
2. Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to examine the joint's structure.
3. Dental Evaluation: Assessing bite alignment and wear patterns on teeth.

Treatment

Treatment varies depending on the severity and cause, and can include:

1. Self-Care Measures :
   • Applying ice or heat packs to reduce pain and swelling.
   • Avoiding hard or chewy foods.
   • Stress management techniques.
2. Medication :
   • Over-the-counter pain relievers.
   • Muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory drugs.
3. Dental Interventions :
   • Bite guards or splints to prevent grinding.
   • Orthodontics or dental work to correct misalignment.
4. Physical Therapy :
   • Jaw exercises to strengthen and relax muscles.
5. Invasive Treatments :
   • Injections (e.g., corticosteroids or Botox) for severe cases.
   • Surgery (rare and typically last resort).

If you suspect you have TMJ, consult a healthcare provider or dentist for a proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.