| Do you or someone you know suffer from headaches, ringing in the ears, dizziness, upper neck and/or facial pain? Millions of people suffer from these disorders and many are undiagnosed and/or untreated. Muscle spasm, fatigue, jaw, and facial pain; in addition to, clicking, popping and limited ability to open the mouth, occur when the chewing muscles, jaw joint and teeth do not work together properly. Other factors may aggravate a "TMJ" problem including; injury to the head, neck or face, bad bite (malocclusion), grinding and clinching of the teeth (bruxism), disruptive sleep, stress, and fatigue. The Good News: With early diagnosis most TMJ disorders and related symptoms can be successfully managed with conservative, non-surgical treatment. |
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Phase I: Reversible treatment may include patient education, day and/or nighttime splints, diagnostic and trigger point injections, physical therapy, inflammatory and pain medication. Initial treatment objectives are designed to reduce muscle spasm, swelling in the jaw joints, related pain, and restore normal function and insure a restful sleep pattern.
Phase II: Non-reversible treatment may include occulsal adjustment (bite), orthodontic treatment, restorative measures including crowns, and/or bridges, partials and occasionally surgery. Phase II objectives are designed to correct symptoms and lack of normal function that persists after the initial treatment procedures.
These questions are useful in identifying jaw joint disorders and related headaches. If two or more apply, please discuss with your dentist and/or physician.
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______ Do you have difficulty or pain, when opening your mouth? |
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______ Does your jaw feel stiff, tight, or tired? |
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______ Do you have difficulty or pain when chewing? |
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______ Does your jaw shift when you open? |
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______ Has your jaw "stuck" either open or closed? |
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______ Are you aware of any changes in your bite? |
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______ Do you have "clicking" or "popping" in either jaw joint? |
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______ Do you have pain in your temple, face, or ear? |
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______ Do your ears "ring", "buzz", or hurt? |
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______ Do you have frequent headaches or facial pain? |
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______ Do you have morning headaches? |
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______ Do you clench or grind your teeth during the day or night? |
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______ Have you sought treatment for a TMJ disorder and/or headache? |
Dr. Bryan O. Blevins |