top of page

TMD

What is TMD?

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) frequently occurs when the lower jaw is not in its proper relationship or position to the upper jaw. This often results in a dislocation of the protective disc (anteriorly displaced), as the lower jaw assumes a position further back as shown in the diagram to the right.  Some common causes of TMD are clenching or grinding habits, your lower jaw too far back causing an anteriorly displaced disc, a deep dental overbite, a bad bite and/or teeth missing, trauma to the head or neck, automobile accidents or a whiplash injury, bad posture or stress on the body or intubation procedures in hospitals.

Normal Jaw Joint

Displaced Disc

“When the condition is prolonged, the body begins to compensate by involving muscles in other areas.”

Symptoms of TMD

  • Headaches & Migraines

  • Pain/ Soreness in the Jaw & Face

  • Insomnia & Poor Sleep

  • Vertigo & Dizziness

  • Pain Behind the Eyes

  • Neck & Shoulder Pain

  • Tooth Grinding & Clenching

  • Tightness in the Jaw

  • Tooth Pain with No Dental Cause

  • Sinus Pain & Feeling of Fullness

  • Clicking/Popping Noise in the Jaw

  • Numbness in the Hands & Fingertips

  • Chiropractic Problems that Do Not Respond Well to Treatment

  • If you have any of these symptoms you could possibly have a problem with your jaw (TMJ). Prolonged spasm of facial muscles can lead to chronic muscle pain and trigger points (knotted muscles), which can send pain to different areas of your body such as your neck, eyes, ears, shoulders or lower back which  can make it difficult to diagnose. It is always recomendable to see your medical doctor first, to determine that the symptoms mentioned above are not caused by a medical condition other than TMD. 

A Personalized Treatment Program:

…which includes reduction of inflammation and muscle spasms in conjunction with an easy to wear, comfortable dental orthotic (splint) begins once a thorough diagnosis has been made. The orthotic covers the lower teeth holding the jaw in proper alignment, reducing tension in the jaw joints, and allowing them to heal.

 

Patients who clench or grind will need to wear special nighttime splints in order to reduce muscle spasms, headaches and other symptoms. Frequently a team approach involving medical doctors, neurologists, ear, neck and throat specialists, chiropractors, and therapists are necessary to diagnose and treat patients with jaw joint, neck and spine dysfunctions. The objective of Phase 1 would be to stabilize the lower jaw in its correct position in order to reduce the patient’s symptoms, improve range of motion of the jaw and reduce muscle soreness. Sometimes a second phase of treatment will be necessary. We will discuss the various treatment options following the successful completion of Phase 1 jaw stabilization.

What is the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)?

The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ), which connects the lower jaw to the skull, is responsible for the movement of the jaw, and the opening and closing of the mouth. This is the most used joint in the entire body and it affects our ability to talk, to chew and to swallow.

What to Expect on Your Initial Visit

Your initial visit involves acquiring a complete medical and dental history and a TMJ Health Questionnaire, which helps indicate the seriousness of your problem. Further tests involve evaluation of the degree of muscle soreness upon palpation as well as whether the movements of the jaw are normal. Further diagnostic testing includes complete head, neck and posture evaluation utilizing state-of –the-art x-ray equipment to assist with visualization of the jaw joints and other related structures. Measurements of dysfunctional muscle activity and abnormal jaw movement will be achieved using computerized diagnostic modalities. These tests will assist us with making the proper diagnosis.

bottom of page