TMJ Disorders comprise a variety of signs and symptoms in the head and neck associated with improper function of the temporomandibular joint (TM), head and neck muscles, nerves, and the occlusion (bite).
Sudden changes in occlusion are rarely related to the teeth. Most often the problem is in the TMJ or neck. Muscle pain, although present is very rarely the primary cause. It is typically secondary to an orthopedic problem in the head or neck.
Discomfort caused by tension in the face and neck are common symptoms with TMJ disorder. But treatment that focuses on muscle relaxation may actually lead to increased joint damage in the jaw by ignoring the source of the problem.
That pain in the neck may be coming from your jaw…
Many different methods for treatment of TMJ disorders have surfaced over the years, but for real success you must address the true problem.
I’m noticing a lot of dentists are discovering the T-Scan system and using it to treat TMJ. It measures bite forces using digital sensors that act as computerized “bite paper” to show uneven pressures on teeth as you bite and chew.
Finding the correct appliance for treatment of TMJ disorder is critical. Using the wrong appliance can cause more complications and just because an appliance has been “used for years” doesn’t mean that it is the answer for every individual.
Currently many dentists are just now learning about the NTI-tss appliance. It seems to have a renewed interest among dentists even though it has been around for more than 20 years. This appliance was introduced to the TMJ community by Dr. Boyd many years ago for acute muscle contraction headache. I have used it selectively for 15 years.
The journey that most people take in finding a TMJ specialist is twisting with stops and starts along the way.
So, how did you find me?
This is one of the first questions I ask patients. Most are referred by physicians or dentists, others by friends and a few through web searches.
In talking to someone who is going to help me with my new practice getting the word out, she too asked “so how do patients find you?” My answer, she said needed to be blogged, partly because its kind of funny!
You may be surprised to learn that frequent headaches can be caused from an alignment in your lower jaw. Yes, you heard that right. The ocasional, or sometimes frequent, headaches that robs you from concentrating at work or school could be caused from a little something called TMJ. ( or Temporomandibular Joint Disorders).
What are some other common symptoms of TMJ?
