The "Trooth" about TMJ

It’s Good Health Sense®

As Published in the May, 2008 issue of The Scottsdale Downtowner

The “Trooth” about TMJ Pain

By Dr. Daniel P. Secrest, DC  Chiropractic Physician

TemporoMandibular Joint pain can become a big mouthful of agony. If left untreated, it can quickly become more than just bothersome popping or clicking sounds. Serious conditions can develop, such as tooth, ear and headaches. Added to this can be the inability to fully open your mouth and various other types of facial and jaw pain, especially while eating. The list gets longer and harsher, such as pain in the floor of the mouth, difficulty in swallowing, nausea, vomiting, throat pain and digestive problems.

The abbreviation “TMJ” is most frequently used to refer to these syndrome effects. However, it technically refers to the two joints, one located on each side of your head (directly in front of your ears) that connect your jaw to your skull. In such a key location, you can understand why a misalignment causes intense discomfort for so many of your senses.

As an effect of daily emotional and physical stress on the structures around the joint, TMJ pain frequently occurs in people who clench or grind their teeth. However, poor posture can also be an important factor, such as holding your head forward while working long hours at a computer, recurrent long distant driving or slouching on a couch while watching TV. 

Your dentist is the usual first stop in diagnosing and seeking TMJ symptomatic relief. If the occlusal surfaces of the teeth or the supporting structures have been damaged due to dental neglect, periodontal diseases or trauma, your dentist usually can help restore proper occlusion. However, a little known truth is that TMJ pain is not always dental related or may only partially be so, particularly in the case of trauma. Therefore, if pain persists or increases, you should know there are other non-invasive alternatives to investigate, before submitting to surgery or enduring a cumbersome nightly mouth guard.

A study performed at Sao Paulo University School of Dentistry showed an inter-relationship between the cervical region (neck) and TMJ joint mobilization that produced quick non-surgical results. Trigger point therapy and massage around the neck, jaw and spine brought relief in as little as 4-6 weekly sessions, depending on severity. Other studies have shown a correlation to misalignments as far remote as your foot.

While spinal and extremity manipulation are more commonly practiced, more doctors skilled in advanced mechanical manipulation (such as KST) are now using applied kinesiology and other specific therapeutic techniques to address this bothersome pain. They have been able to access the cranium, facial bones and the TMJs directly—during differing movements, i.e. open mouth, closed, clenched, etc. Sometimes, for some of the most difficult cases, the hard pallet (roof of your mouth) is a hiding spot.

Surprisingly to many, adjustments to these areas are quite comfortable, yet very powerful. They will provide you with a new opportunity to obtain pain relief and flash a healthy smile. And, it’s good health sense. 

Dr. Dan Secrest is a practicing physician at Secrest Family Chiropractic on Hayden & Osborn Roads in Scottsdale and mentors doctors around the globe. He is the former radio host of his own talk show in Phoenix and has appeared on radio, TV and in the local press. The advice given in this column is for informational/entertainment purposes only and you should consult your physician before proceeding. Should you have a health question or other inquiry, you may contact Dr. Dan through this web site at www.SecrestFamilyChiropractic.com or through his office at 480-994-4411.