Many people are suffering with TMJ dysfunction and pain. Some estimates report as many as 20 million Americans are suffering from TMJ disorder. Unfortunately, many of these people go untreated, and simply cope with their pain.

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are the jaw joints that allow your jaw to move. This unique joint is unlike any other in our body. It is composed of cartilage, muscles, ligaments, and bone. The joint is used all day and night in eating, talking, and swallowing. It is not surprising that this pivotal point is subject to problems. Blows to the face or head, whiplash, injury through any form of trauma, bite discrepancies such as an open-bite, cross-bite, missing teeth, poorly fitting dental restorations or appliances, and overclosure of the jaw (overbite) can all stress the TMJ. Also, arthritis and other metabolic diseases or imbalances can further compromise the joint's resilience or stability.

It is hard to imagine that a problem in your jaw could cause pain in almost any part of your body. But, we have seen seemingly unrelated symptoms such as severe headaches, neck pain, backaches, ringing in the ears, dizziness, swellings, intestinal upsets, and other symptoms that improve with treatment of the jaw joint.

Our TMJ treatment involves several stages: First, diagnostic information is gathered. A thorough history of your pain will be recorded. Measurements of the joint's movement, noises, and muscle activity may be recommended. X-rays of the joint itself are oftentimes helpful. Stone models of your teeth will be taken. After this information is gathered, usually a soft "diagnostic" splint (bite guard) is custom made to fit your teeth and bite. Sometimes "stretch and spray", massage, or chiropractic techniques will be recommended. These treatments are aimed at eliminating the joint and muscle symptoms that have motivated you to seek care. This phase usually will last two to six weeks.

Another early treatment phase consideration is the role that your metabolism and physiology may be playing in your pain patterns. We now know that blood toxins from poor digestion, poor diet, leaky bowel syndrome, liver stress, parasites, structural abnormalities, allergies, yeast, metals, etc. often make the pain worse for many people. Yeast infection is thought to be present in as much as 40% of the American population. Many people do not produce enough detoxification enzymes to deal with these factors. It is possible that these toxins could be making your pain syndrome worse and failure to identify and remove them could complicate successful healing and pain management. We will have you fill out some screening questionnaires to help you identify if these toxins could be an issue for you. If so, certain tests and treatments relating to metabolic cleansing, balance, and function may be indicated.

The second phase of the bite treatment is designed to stabilize the TMJ in the correct physiological position. Usually, a hard acrylic splint (bite guard) will maintain the correct jaw position while the muscles are healing. Simultaneously, you may find benefit working with a chiropractor, massage therapist, naturopath, or other health care practitioners to allow maximum healing. This phase of treatment would last for 6-12 months.

The third phase of treatment is designed to make more permanent and hold the position of the jaw that phase two has determined is comfortable for you. Phase three varies from person to person and may include orthodontics, partial denture overlays, bite adjustments, and/or new crowns. These techniques would hold the bite where the muscle and joint are comfortable without a splint. Sometimes, night time wear of a splint is all that is needed for phase three.

Please feel free to ask us about this disorder and whether or not you might benefit from this type of care.

For information on the TMJ issue visit www.aacfp.org