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TMJ AWARENESS MONTH
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WHAT IS TMJ?
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are disorders of the jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints (TMJ), and the nerves linked to chronic facial pain. Any problem that prevents the complex system of muscles, bones, and joints from working together in harmony may result in temporomandibular disorder. 
WHAT CAUSES TMJ?

TMJ is one of the conditions most frequently identified by patients. This is a very real condition caused by disturbances in the action of the jaw. Research has shown that many factors may lead to this disorder – it can occur by itself or be a part of a more complex problem. We believe that there is usually more than one factor responsible. Causes may include macro traumas: automobile accident, sports injury, accidental falls etc. or micro traumas of clenching and grinding of the teeth (bruxism), which causes the muscles that stabilize the joint to become fatigued from overwork resulting in head, face, jaw and muscle pain. Often the jaw problems, head and facial pain, headaches, migraines and musculoskeletal pain are symptoms of a greater problem affecting the body, much like a fever is secondary to the common flu. In the absence of an acute injury to the head or facial area, we believe the primary cause of these problems is frequently related to insufficient oxygen while sleeping i.e. an unidentified sleep breathing obstruction, Sleep Apnea or Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Everyone assumes they are breathing and getting enough oxygen during sleep; few recognize that nighttime teeth grinding and clenching (bruxing) is an unconscious effort to prevent suffocation. This repeated action all night long over extended periods of time wears down the skeletal structure and the joints resulting in TMJ pain, headaches, musculoskeletal pain, TMJ dysfunctions and facial neuralgias.

33% of people have at least one symptom of TMD.

TMJ/TMD Symptoms:
  • Headaches - recurring or chronic
  • Earache or ear symptoms of stuffiness or ringing
  • Neck Pain or Stiffness
  • Facial Pain
  • Jaw joint sounds - clicking, popping or grating
  • Limited ability to open or close mouth
  • Jaw locking (opened or closed)
  • Sensitive, loose or worn down teeth


  • Pain or soreness in the TM joints
  • Dizziness or Pain or difficulty chewing or swallowing
  • Pain behind the eyes
  • Extreme sensitivity to light
  • ADHD
  • Bed wetting

HOW CAN WE HELP?

At TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of San Diego, we understand the complexities of craniofacial pain that are unique to each patient. Some patients experience TMJ pain and dysfunctions, some experience primary headaches (known as Migraines, tension, cluster) while others may have facial neuralgias, musculoskeletal pain or a combination of all.


We use non-invasive treatment options that may include one or more of the following:

  • Comprehensive diagnostics
  • Non-surgical treatment plan for rehabilitation
  • Decompression appliance therapy (short term wear of custom orthopedic oral orthotics – not splints)
  • Nutritional counseling
  • Medication and supplement regimens
  • Physical medicine treatment (Laser therapy, trigger points, prolo therapy, phonophoresis)
  • Multi-discipline Referral Coordination


If you or someone you know are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact our office to schedule an appointment.

FOLLOW US!


TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of San Diego

7879 El Cajon Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942  |  (619) 466-2774


 
TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre International | 7879 El Cajon Blvd La Mesa, CA 91942