TMJ Problems Last updated: Jul 17, 2008

THE ANALYST TM
Home  |  FAQ  |  Start The Analyst


 
  TMJ Problems  
 

 
Conditions that suggest it | Contributing risk factors | Recommendations

 
 

Non-surgical treatment can restore function of the TMJ (Tempero-mandibular joint) with surprising results. Clinicians who have treated individuals with TMD (Tempero-mandibular dysfunction) have noted that related conditions such as tinnitus have been improved and, in many cases, eliminated. Non-surgical treatment is appropriate in cases where the symptoms are related to mild joint damage, muscle hyperactivity and/or dental-skeletal malalignments.

These interventions include application of heat and cold, prolotherapy, injections of a local anesthetic into muscle trigger points, passive and active jaw exercises, medications such as muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatories, multivitamins, neuromuscular orthotics, biofeedback and acupuncture, transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation, coronoplasty, and cortisone injections.

 
 

Conditions that suggest TMJ Problems:
 
 
Metabolic  Tinnitus
 The findings of a recent study were very interesting. Of a group of twenty patients with tinnitus, ten tested positive for TMJ dysfunction in all diagnostic tests used. Nine tested positive to one or more of the diagnostic procedures. Only one patient of the twenty had no positive evidence of any jaw joint dysfunction. Dr. Morgan's findings were published in The Journal of Craniomandibular Practice. ["Tinnitus of TMJ Origin: A Preliminary Report," Vol.10, No.2]

Another research project was headed by Richard L. Goode, MD, professor of ENT and Head and Neck surgery at Stanford University's School of Medicine. Drs Morgan and Goode were able to establish the mechanical connection between the ossicles in the middle ear and the capsule and disk of the TMJ. ["The TMJ-Ear Connection", Journal of Craniomandibular Practice, Vol. 13, No.1).]

You may get an idea if the tinnitus is connected to your TMJ in some way, by
  • Clenching your teeth - does it change the tinnitus in some way? (Get louder/softer, pitch change)
  • Pushing in hard on the jaw with your palm. Does the tinnitus change?
  • Pushing in hard on the forehead with your hand. Resist with the head. Any changes?
As many as 50% of people using these techniques find a change in their tinnitus and a TMJ correlation they had not known about.
 
 

Risk factors for TMJ Problems:
 
 
Infections  Lyme Disease
  Mycoplasma Infection

Symptoms - Skeletal
  History of TMJ problems
 
 

Recommendations for TMJ Problems:
 
 
Mineral  MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane)

Physical Medicine
  Craniosacral Therapy (CST)

Surgery/Invasive
  Prolotherapy
 Prolotherapy regrows tendons and ligaments to strengthen and stabilize overly mobile joints such as the TMJ.
 
 


KEY
Weak or unproven link
Strong or generally accepted link
Proven definite or direct link
May do some good
Highly recommended

"Keep on going and the chances are that you will stumble on something, perhaps when you are least expecting it. I have never heard of anyone stumbling on something sitting down." Charles F. Kettering
"He never wins who fears defeat." Prahlad Pandey
"Doubting your chances before you're done, may cost you the race you might have won."





GLOSSARY

Anesthetic:  Agent causing loss of sensation by neurological dysfunction or a pharmacological depression of nerve function.

Prolotherapy:  A single or series of injections that stimulates the body to regrow, tighten, and strengthen ligaments or tendons. It is unequaled for pain relief and restoration of normal function for any body joint where connective tissue is weak or has been damaged.

Tinnitus:  A sensation of noise (ringing or roaring) that is caused by a bodily condition and can usually only be heard by the person affected.

TMD:  Tempero-mandibular joint dysfunction.

TMJ:  Tempero-mandibular joint - hinge of the jaw.