TMJ, Headaches, Chronic Pain:

If you have a TMJ problem, be aware that it can be and usually is a very complicated condition with many surprisingly connected symptoms that were not easily recognized by professionals in the past. Dysfunction of the jaw joint (TMJ), along with pain in the head and neck, can be debilitating for all age groups. The head is the most interactive part of our body with our world and when the TMJ area breaks down or malfunctions, one can become uncomfortable or even experience severe pain. Due to nerve damage of the jaw joint, poor sleep, inflammation, stress and other medical issues, the entire body can suffer in many different ways. If we cannot chew, talk, swallow, breathe, smell, hear, see or sleep well or have persistent pain, life becomes very difficult and miserable for most.

TMJ Symptoms of the mouth may include the following:

• popping and clicking of the jaw joint
• headaches
• pain while chewing
• locked jaw
• nighttime grinding (bruxism)
• broken or chipped teeth, worn teeth
• recession of the gums, periodontal disease
• dry mouth, coated tongue (white/dark appearance)
• bony growth of the jawbones under the tongue or on the upper jaw
• crowded teeth
• poor (meager) smile and failed dental work

Other symptoms related to TMJ:

• ringing of the ears (tinnitus)
• stuffiness of the ear
• dizziness (vertigo)
• fatigue, snoring
• night sweats
• forward head posture, poor posture
• neck pain, back pain
• poor sleep, daytime sleepiness
• acid indigestion (heartburn)
• nerve pain (trigeminal neuralgia)
• nighttime awakening and urination
• restless sleep
• sensitivity to light or sound
• cold hands or feet
• poor digestion
• compromised immune system
• irritability
• mental fog
• poor decision
• GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and more

Diagnosis:

We perform an extensive examination that evaluates inflammation and function of the head and neck, mouth, nasal passages, sinuses, throat, nerve system and jaw joints. We evaluate the head and neck structures using 3D radiology (CBCT), posture evaluation, review medical/dental history, neurological disorders and nerve damage and other tests for bruxism and sleep disorders.

Treatment:

Most TMJ patients need corrective therapy for function and damage to the jaw joint. This treatment is an orthopedic therapy that includes: bone, cartilage, ligament, tendons, muscles, connective tissue and nerves. This therapy requires multiple treatment modalities including, but not limited to, custom orthopedic devices, cold laser therapy, prolotherapy, trigger point injections, nutritional supplements, range of motion exercises and more. Cold laser treatment and other medicines can relieve symptoms and help your body heal quickly. Ninety-five percent (95%) of our patients only need phase one treatment. Occasionally, other medical providers may need to be consulted to correct conditions directly related to your specific needs.

Conclusion:

TMJ problems occur over many years of micro trauma from grinding, clenching, stress, inflammatory processes and degeneration. The sooner the repair process is applied, the better the final results will be. We achieve stability, proper function and harmony through specific orthopedic therapies over a 3-5 month period, which improve the entire health of your body and mind. Fixing the TMJ problem will give you your life back in many ways.