TMJ Treatment

TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Syndrome, sometimes known as TMD (Temporomandibular Dysfunction), is simply a dramatic extension of the classic tension headache. It is named for the Temporomandibular Joint, located in front of the ear, where the lower jaw rests in the skull bone socket. Often related to clenching and misaligned bite, TMD Syndrome, over time, can produce extreme spasms and trauma not only to the jaw muscles, but also to the neck and shoulders. In many cases, the back muscles are also affected. (*Take the TMJ Self-Test at the bottom of this article).

Between the top of the lower jaw (called the condyle) and the skull is a cartilaginous disc. This disc serves as a cushion for the condyle as it moves forward and down when the mouth is opening. If this disc gets displaced, because of a misaligned bite or an improper relationship of the upper and lower jaws, there is often a click or pop when the mouth opens; sometimes the jaw may even lock.

Symptoms of TMD may include dizziness, headaches, migraines, facial pain, tooth pain, and pain extending down the arms into the fingers. Patients with TMD may also have trouble opening their jaws or pain whenever they move their jaws. They may experience ringing in their ears, and/or chronic neck and backache pain; they are also more likely to grind their teeth.

The Temporomandibular Joint is situated at the intersection of three major energy meridians; these relate to the stomach, the endocrine system and the small intestine.

Relief of TMD can, therefore, spark a tremendous healing process throughout the body, relieving symptoms like stomach problems, chest pains and cold extremities.

TMD generally requires bite adjustments (reshaping of the tooth surfaces) and, sometimes, braces to correct the misalignment of the jaws. Because TMD causes so much trauma to the whole system, particularly to the skeletal structure and the muscles, we often recommend both a homeopathic remedy and some bodywork to hasten the healing process during or after the bite adjustment process.

Sometimes, prior to the bite adjustment, or while treatment is in progress, an appliance is needed. This fits over the upper or lower teeth to reposition the jaw and, thereby to alleviate the muscle spasms. If you would like to learn more about TMD and how it might be affecting you or a loved one, please speak with one of our highly trained staff members.

Further Reading:

Sleep Disordered Breathing in Adults

3-D Panoramic Imaging – Provides TMJ Analysis

Take a TMJ Self-Test Now

Answer the following questions:

• Do you get frequent headaches or facial pain?
• Do you get frequent neck aches or shoulder aches?
• Do you find yourself clenching your teeth during the day?
• Do you grind your teeth at night?
• Do you wake up with your teeth clenched?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above, especially 2 or more, there is a good chance you may have TMD (temporomandibular dysfunction)

Try the Following Self-Assessment for TMJ:

1. Put the pad of one finger (use the index finger) in each ear and with the pad facing forward toward your nose, press your fingers forward – is it tender? If it is this can indicate inflammation in the temporomandibular joint.
2. With your fingers still in your ears, open and close – do you feel or hear any popping or clicking? Popping or clicking can indicate problems with the cartilage that is in the joint space.
3. Press a finger just slightly in front of the opening of your ears – do you feel tenderness? A yes response again could indicate inflammation within the joint.
4. With your index, middle and ring finger held together, open your mouth and see if you can place them vertically between your upper and lower front teeth? If you cannot, this is often a sign of TMJ problems.

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