TMJ DYSFUNCTION Your seemingly “incurable” headache, neck, ear or facial pain could be generated by your jaw joints, bite and/or spasm in the associated facial musculature. This is called temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. These joints are located in front of the ears and allow the jaw to open, close and move around. Unlike other joints of the body, the jaw joints function in unison. Causes of TMJ dysfunction include head or facial trauma, whiplash, missing teeth and worn down teeth from bruxism (grinding). Typical TMJ symptoms include: Headaches Ear problems Click, pop or grating in jaw joint Limited jaw opening or locking Pain when chewing Facial pain Neck pain or stiffness Dizziness Bite changes Correctly diagnosing a TMJ disorder requires a complete medical history, head and neck evaluation, comprehensive dental exam and special x-rays. Our goal is first to get the patient out of any pain they are experiencing, then to work on correcting jaw function. This is accomplished by creating a dental orthotic (bite splint) to fit over the teeth. The orthotic is worn 24/7 and balances the bite which allows muscle spasms, headaches and pain to be eliminated. The orthotic also supports the jaw joints in a corrected orthopedic relationship to the skull, thereby improving function.   Other modalities used to support our treatment may include: Physical therapy   Nutrition counseling Cranial manipulation Massage therapy Skin contact infra-red Spray and stretch Applied Kinesiology Chiropractic/Osteopathic care The final step is to stabilize the jaw joints in their new functional position. Establishing proper occlusion (bite) is absolutely essential in the successful management of TMJ dysfunction. The final treatment may include bite adjustment, orthodontics, rebuilding the teeth and/or reduction in wearing the orthotic.  We believe strongly in conservative, non-surgical treatment for TMJ.