Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) Practice Test

What condition should be suspected when an athlete presents with both jaw clicking and grinding teeth?

1. Arthritic condition

2. TMJ dysfunction

3. Cervical sprain

4. Dental misalignment

The correct answer is: TMJ dysfunction

TMJ dysfunction, or temporomandibular joint dysfunction, should be suspected when an athlete exhibits symptoms of jaw clicking and teeth grinding. The temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone to the skull and is responsible for the movement of the jaw. Dysfunction in this area can lead to a range of symptoms, including pain, restricted movement, and the noises such as clicking or popping sounds when the jaw moves. Additionally, grinding teeth, or bruxism, can often contribute to or exacerbate issues within the TMJ, leading to further discomfort and dysfunction. While other conditions like arthritis or dental misalignment could theoretically lead to jaw issues, they do not directly link the specific combination of symptoms presented in this scenario as clearly as TMJ dysfunction does. Cervical sprain affects the neck rather than the jaw, making it less relevant in this context. Thus, the presentation of jaw clicking along with teeth grinding strongly points to TMJ dysfunction as the primary concern.