Not all Head and Neck Pain comes from TMJ and Not all cases of TMJ dysfunction result in Head and Neck Pain.

It is important that each case is diagnosed only after a very careful and thorough assessment.

 

 

TMD, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, refers to any number of problems, that can occur with the TMJ.

TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint, and refers to one or both of the joints, right below your ear, that connects the lower jaw, to your skull.  It’s one of the most complex and highly used joints in your body. You use it every time you bite, chew, swallow, speak or make facial expressions.

The joint itself is made up of two bones that are separated by a disc of cartilage. Ligaments and muscles surround the joint. Problems with the jaw joint are very common. In some instances only the muscles are affected (myofascial pain dysfunction) whereas in others the cartilages and ligaments may also be at fault (internal derangement of Temporomandibular joint).

The most common symptoms are:

• Joint noise - such as clicking, cracking, crunching, grating or popping

• Pain around the ears, jaw and face - usually a dull ache in and around the ear. The pain may radiate, move forwards along the cheekbone or downwards into the neck.

• Headaches

• Clenching or grinding teeth

• Limited mouth opening and locking of the jaw

• Difficulty Swallowing

• A bite that feels uncomfortable or “off”

• Swelling on the side of the face

• Ringing in the ears, Blocked ears and decreased hearing

• Trouble sleeping

• Dizziness or Vertigo

Most jaw joint problems are made worse by chewing and are aggravated at times of stress.

Bear in mind that occasional discomfort in the jaw joint or chewing muscles is common, and is not always a cause for concern. Many people with certain TMJ problems get better without treatment. However, if the pain is severe and lasts more than a few weeks, we will need to see you for a simple evaluation to effectively help you.  We are here to help you get out of pain and enjoy life again.

TMD Treatment
We have several techniques we can use to reposition your teeth and your bite, and we’ll discuss which ones are best for you, before beginning any treatment plan. The most effective treatment in many cases, is this simple four step system:

• Bite Assessment

• Discovering your ideal bite

• Recording your ideal bite

• Achieving your ideal bite with Orthotic Therapy

TMJ Orthotic therapy requires you to wear an unobtrusive orthotic appliance during the day. The Orthotics are clear and shaped to be as unobtrusive as possible and most of our patients find them very easy to wear. When in place, the Orthotic will reposition your jaw into a more relaxed ideal bite. Wearing the TMJ Orthotic will also start to reduce any jaw and facial pain you have been experiencing along with the other symptoms associated with TMJ syndrome.

Every person responds differently to Orthotic therapy; however the vast majority will experience an improvement in their TMJ symptoms.