Thursday, November 6, 2008

Headaches and Jaw Pain? You May Have Tmd

Millions of Americans suffer from headaches, shoulder and neck pain, and ringing in the ears without even knowing they may be suffering from a disorder of the jaw. These people often live with the pain and discomfort thinking that stress is the cause, relief is often sought through painkillers and heating pads. However, these symptoms may be the result of a medical condition called Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or TMD.

While over the counter medication can temporarily alleviate some of the pain associated with TMD, the symptoms usually recur and can progress to debilitating proportions that alter quality of life. Blurred vision, back pain, anxiety, and insomnia can negatively affect the life of someone suffering from TMD. However, there is sound treatment available that not only alleviates the symptoms but corrects the root cause.

Often, when people seek help from their primary care doctor for these symptoms and a host of others associated with TMD, their primary care physician is unable to determine the problem. That’s because only a trained neuromuscular dentist can accurately diagnosis and treat TMD. As a result, patients often hear from their PCP that the problem is stress related.

Now is the time to seek appropriate help for TMD. No one has to continually suffer the painful symptoms of this chronic, degenerative disease when advanced treatment is available. The first step is a thorough examination to properly determine if you have TMD.

State-of-the-Art Treatment Options

Your dentist may need to take X-rays to determine your jaw’s alignment. A sonogram may also be required to determine other malfunctions such as popping and clicking sounds. State-of-the-art computer technology is used to determine how your jaw functions in various positions. These include resting, opening and closing, and a variety of other movements the jaw undergoes such as talking or yawning. Once jaw tracking is complete, your dentist then determines the optimal position for your jaw, and works with you on developing the best options for treatment.

Depending on the severity of your condition, your dentist will prescribe a plan of action that works best for you. There are many options available to correct TMD once it’s been properly diagnosed. Orthodontics specializes in the treatment of misaligned bites. Invisalign is a new treatment that straightens teeth by using clear plastic molds. This invisible option eliminates the need for unattractive metallic braces. Oral surgery may also be necessary.

About the Author:

If you live in the Virginia Beach or Chesapeake area of Virginia and feel you may suffer from TMD, please visit the website of Dr. Michael Folck today to schedule your initial consultation.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/dental-care-articles/headaches-and-jaw-pain-you-may-have-tmd-619425.html

Health News:

Best Exercises to Get Rid of Cellulite - How to Get Rid of it Quickly
There are hundreds of different exercises to get rid of cellulite that don’t work, simply because they aren’t specifically targeted at the...

Cheap Xenical

0 comments: