TMJ/TMD

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) can be disruptive while awake and sleeping. TMD often coexist with OSA conditions and is also considered musculoskeletal imbalance. The basis of these problems is abnormal development of the upper and lower jaws and mal-alignment of these structures causing muscle and joint dysfunction and discomfort.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. It enables you to chew, speak, and move your jaw up and down and side to side. A TMJ disorder occurs when there is a problem with the joint, surrounding muscle or nerves.

Treatment Options

Oral Device

Oral appliance and physical medicine therapy aid in optimizing jaw posture and in relieving jaw dysfunction and pain. These appliances are designed to re-posture the lower jaw and improve joint and muscle function.  Oral appliances should be worn during sleep and may be modified for use while the patient is awake. The primary side effect of oral appliance therapy is a change in jaw posture.

Alternative medicine

Complementary and alternative medicine techniques may help manage ongoing pain often related to TMJ disorders. Examples include:

• Acupuncture. A specialist trained in acupuncture treats ongoing pain by inserting hair-thin needles at specific locations on your body.
• Relaxation techniques. Consciously slowing your breathing and taking deep, regular breaths can relax tense muscles. In turn, this can lessen pain.
• Biofeedback. Electronic devices that track the tightness of specific muscles can help you practice effective relaxation techniques.