TMJ and Headaches

In some studies it was found that up to 80% of all headaches are teeth related.

A lot of people suffer from TMJ disorder. Some of the symptoms include:

frequent headaches (more than once a month)
neck and shoulder pain
worn down teeth with erosions at the gum line
and sensitivities
inner ear problems (vertigo, dizziness)

Even though the precise reason for the TMJ disorders is not always clear (stress, dysfunctional bite), some of these we can address. Dysfunctional bite can lead to all of the above symptoms. Also posture problems can be a result of your dysfunctional bite. It is important to address this issue before you start a major reconstruction of your bite.

We will use a TENS (low voltage, low frequency) unit to relax your face muscle and find a position, where your whole head is in better balance. Please see also http://www.myotronics.com/?id=2. An orthotic appliance can help you keep this position and find out if any or all of your symptoms and discomforts disappear over time. Very often your body posture improves at this time as well. This treatment can be coordinated with a chiropractor. Depending on the original amount of discomfort, more treatment may be necessary, but for some this in itself can be a big help.

One of the examples I like to mention is my mother in-law. She had a twitching eye and ran from one doctor to another. Eye doctor, ENT, neurologist, psychiatrist…you name it. It took her more then 3 years and the situation just got worse. It drove her mad; she was very cranky and complained that she did not feel right a lot. Short of declaring her insane, they told her that she has to live with a twitching eye for the rest of her life due to the high stress level she had. After just a few treatments with this TENS / orthotic, her situation not only improved, but she now can drink water direct from the bottle (impossible for her for over 6 years!), and she runs every morning up the hill faster than anybody in my family.

In children, before you start the orthodontic treatment (braces), please come for a consultation on this issue. Also we recommend removing the tonsils and adenoids to improve the breathing of your child before you start the braces. Even occasional breathing problems at night due to clogged airways by swollen tonsils or adenoids, lead frequently to a relapse in orthodontal treatment. We have seen too many patients in their twenties having to undergo a second orthodontic treatment..