Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD / TMD)

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the medical name of the paired joints connecting the upper and lower jaws (the maxilla and the mandible). The TMJ is one of the most complex joints in the body and is subject to extreme forces during normal daily activities such as chewing. The TMJ is the source of a variety of disorders commonly referred to as TMJ, temporomandibular disorders (TMD) or temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJD). This disorder is used to describe pain or other dysfunction of these joints. 

TMJD is often difficult to treat because the condition can be related to a variety of physical, mental and emotional factors, including dental problems, mental stress, and neuromuscular disorders. Clinical and research evidence demonstrates TMJD can be effectively treated using acupuncture and related modalities. One of the reasons acupuncture is so effective for this type of pain, is that it treats the root causes of TMJ rather than simply treating the symptoms of it the way that pharmaceuticals do.

TMJD symptoms can caused by an injury to the joint, improper alignment of the jaw and teeth (malocclusion), overuse due to excessive or vigorous chewing, grinding or clenching (bruxism), or a side effect of orthodontics. Symptoms of TMJD include pain and difficulty chewing, decreased jaw range of motion, locking, popping, clicking, or sudden misalignment of the teeth. TMJ can lead to pain that radiates to the face, head, neck, and shoulders. Some chronic sufferers experience headaches, migraines, dizziness, earaches, and even difficulty hearing.

Acupuncture may be used alone or in conjunction with other medical treatments. Conventional medical treatments for TMJ disorders can include anti-inflammatory medication, analgesics (pain killers), muscle relaxants, and local injections of corticosteroids in severe cases. Acupuncture does not negatively interact with these medical treatments. Acupuncture can often replace pharmaceutical therapies without the harsh side effects. In addition, Acupuncture can actually augment the effectiveness of other therapies; Examples include, allowing the jaw to settle into a more relaxed state once the underlying occlusion is corrected by a dentist; reducing stress and correcting the underlying cause of night time grinding and clenching.